This week our team was in Turkey to meet with as many Religious authorities, professors and journalists as possible to inform them of the current situation inside cattle and sheep slaughterhouses, and the need for improvements to be put into place to reduce animal-suffering. They met with writors and Imams that focus on Halal and preach the words of Allah. They were in Diyanet in Ankara, to discuss options such as pre-stunning. They also met with officials from the Ministry of Agriculture. As well, the team was interviewed by Performans, a Turkish magazine for meat traders, who will soon publish a 5-page article with photos about our observations inside the slaughterhouses and our efforts to raise awareness about the suffering and the possible solutions.
The good news is that they were all open to hearing about our team’s observations and suggestions. Many are also open to the idea of pre-stunning but requested updated scientific reports. This we will send to them and continue being in contact with them. A highlight of the trip is that there are plans to address animal-welfare during a national Friday prayer, to raise awareness about meat and where it comes from, and be reminded of how the animal must be spared from any pain possible during slaughter and what the words of the prohpet Mohammed mean in practice. Our input will be requested.
