Petition
Protect Legal Exemptions for Non-Stun Religious Slaughter in the UK
Rejected
21 signatures
What the petition asks
We call on the UK Government to uphold existing legal exemptions that permit non-stun religious slaughter under the Welfare of Animals at the Time of Killing (WATOK) Regulations, and to resist any proposals to remove or restrict these exemptions without compelling scientific or legal justification.
The UK recognises non-stun slaughter under the WATOK regulations, balancing animal welfare with the right to religious freedom, as protected by the the Human Rights Act 1998 and the ECHR.
When Religious slaughter is carried out properly, animals lose consciousness quickly. The FSA monitors these practices to ensure animal welfare.
Singling out non-stun is scientifically and ethically unjust and requires an inclusive approach towards welfare standards in general.
When Religious slaughter is carried out properly, animals lose consciousness quickly. The FSA monitors these practices to ensure animal welfare.
Singling out non-stun is scientifically and ethically unjust and requires an inclusive approach towards welfare standards in general.
Why it was rejected
The UK Government or Parliament was already taking the action it asked for.
The Government has set out that this is already happening in its response to this petition: Ban non-stun slaughter in the UK
Timeline
| 2 Jun 2025 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 13 Aug 2025 | Rejected by the Petitions Committee |
Key facts
Signatures
21
Status
Rejected
Rejected
13 Aug 2025
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 27 Jul 2026.