Alderman Stephen Moutray has called on Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council to recommend the installation of CCTV cameras in all Northern Ireland slaughterhouses, to ensure, among others, that animals are not slaughtered according to halal principles which he views as “barbaric”.
The Islamic form of slaughtering animals or poultry involves killing through a cut to the jugular vein, carotid artery and windpipe.
Animals must be alive and healthy at the time of slaughter, and all blood is drained from the carcass.
Stunning cannot be used to kill an animal. The RSPCA says slaughter without pre-stunning causes “unnecessary suffering”.
DAERA has launched a public consultation on mandatory CCTV in slaughterhouses in Northern Ireland.
In the consultation document on this issue, DAERA Minister, Andrew Muir MLA explains why he is recommending the compulsory installation of CCTV cameras in all slaughterhouses: “Where it has been introduced, it is accepted that mandatory CCTV coverage can lead to improvement in practices and operating processes, a greater ability to observe animals in areas that are inaccessible, improve consumer perception of slaughterhouses and help prevent and deter offences.”
Referring to the consultation exercise at an ABC Governance, Resources & Strategy Committee meeting held on April 9, Ald Moutray (DUP, Lurgan DEA) stated: “My information would lead me to believe there are about approximately 20 slaughterhouses in Northern Ireland. 15 of these already have CCTV.
“I would feel that the council should be making a positive contribution here and saying that we would support CCTV in all slaughterhouses in Northern Ireland, particularly if there are any involved in the barbaric practice of halal.
“So, I would maybe ask if the officers want to take that back, and bring forward a response and then we could debate it next month at committee.”
Head of Community Planning, Policy & Research, Elaine Gillespie responded positively to the request: “Yes, if members are in agreement tonight that that should be a council response, it will be passed to the relevant department who will bring a response through the relevant Service committee next month.”
Ald Moutray’s recommendation was proposed by Councillor Liam Mackle (Sinn Féin, Lurgan DEA) and seconded by Councillor Mary O’Dowd (Sinn Féin, Lurgan DEA).
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