7 November 2009
DAFF09/350B

The issue of abattoirs preparing red meat according to religious principles was discussed by state, territory and federal primary industries ministers in Perth yesterday.

Ministers agreed that jurisdictions would use compatible risk management measures to reduce adverse animal welfare outcomes.

Council noted the findings of recent scientific reviews of ritual slaughter methods and agreed to make the reports public. The first report was commissioned in 2007.

Ministers also requested that the Primary Industries Standing Committee consult further with religious organisations, meat processors, relevant regulators and animal welfare groups on the issue.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke said it was the role of governments to promote the most humane practices, within the spectrum of faiths in Australia.

More than 99.5% of Australia’s red meat exports in 2008 were from animals that had been stunned prior to slaughter.