.... In both the Muslim and Jewish faiths, religious texts set out traditional methods of slaughter in which a knife is used to kill the animal. Opponents of the practice believe that animals should be stunned beforehand.
Juncker said that following a debate last year in Belgium, he understood that structures would be put in place to allow people to exercise their faith.
While stressing that animal welfare was “extremely important” to him, he said European provisions allowing for ritual slaughter had to be accepted.
“I’m not a fan of this but I think we have to respect the traditions of religious communities,” he explained.
When asked whether he would launch infringement proceedings against countries not allowing ritual slaughter, Juncker said he had never thought about it but would look into the issue. [Euronews] Read more
