Slaughter without pre-stunning for halal and shechita meat production is one of the most contested animal welfare issues, balancing evidence of animal suffering with religious freedom considerations.
The welfare evidence on slaughter without pre-stunning consistently shows a period of time between neck cutting and loss of consciousness during which the animal is likely to experience pain. The duration varies by species and cut precision, with cattle typically remaining conscious for longer than sheep. The welfare case for pre-stunning or post-cut stunning is strong and accepted by many religious authorities who approve of these methods. The policy challenge is navigating religious freedom protections while maintaining welfare standards. Countries that have implemented bans have demonstrated that religious communities adapt and that certified stunning-inclusive halal and kosher supply chains are viable.