Dutch plan to outlaw export of kosher meat ‘ignores evidence its humane’

Proposals by Dutch authorities to outlaw the export of kosher meat has been criticised for ‘ignoring evidence that it’s a humane method of slaughter’.

Chief Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt, President of the Conference of European Rabbis (CER) said the proposal, which will come into effect in 2017, “ignores the ample body of scientific evidence” that shechita is a “humane method of animal slaughter.”

Goldschmidt claimed it was contrary to the rules of the single market which exists in the European Union “which would render it illegal.”

He added, the CER would “support the local community in their efforts to ensure that Europe as a whole is united on this topic.”

According to the Independent, in Dutch News reports Martijn van Dam, the junior minister for economic affairs, wrote in a letter “I find the current implementation unacceptable. Negative effects on animal welfare must be minimised.”