CIWF gives a presentation on the serious suffering of animals inside many slaughterhouses in Islamic countries at a conference in Cairo, Egypt. The presentation can be viewed at the bottom of this page. The workshop went very well with 35-40 attendees and extensive discussion. People were shocked to see what goes on in the abattoirs and seemed motivated to create change. However, harnessing this into change on the ground is very difficult. People were there from Al Azhar (the Egyptian university that leads in determining what is acceptable from an Islamic viewpoint) and from GOVS (the Egyptian Veterinary Service). CIWF is informed that it is the Ministry of the Interior that would have to initiate real change. Everyone stressed that attention to animal welfare and respect for animals are required by Islam and thus agreed that the conditions documented in so many of these slaughterhouse is not acceptable and change was necessary. Another speaker from Jordan explained that stunning had been introduced – electric stunning for sheep and non-penetrating captive bolt for cattle in Jordan which is very promising. The situation for animals in many slaughterhouses remains extremely disturbing but via discussion, education and constant dialogue between people from different backgrounds and expertise, we can together make a positive change one day to the manner in which animals are slaughtered.
The outcome of the workshop can be read HERE. The outcome was approved and is endorsed by the Al Azhar representatives, which can be read (only available in Arabic) HERE.
http://www.slideshare.net/halal-slaughter-watch/peter-stevenson-cairopresentation2014
