Slaughter without pre-stunning for religious purposes remains one of the most contested animal welfare issues, with scientific evidence strongly supporting stunning for all slaughter.
The welfare evidence on slaughter without pre-stunning is scientifically consistent: the cut through major neck vessels causes a period of consciousness during which the animal may experience pain and distress. The duration of this period varies by species and cut quality. Reversible electrical stunning, which allows religious slaughter compliance while dramatically reducing the conscious period, represents the most welfare-positive accommodation of religious practice. Mandatory labelling would allow welfare-conscious consumers to make informed choices without requiring religious practice restriction.