Asalet Sancakdaroğlu is a freelance expert for Eyes on Animals and AWF and has been visiting slaughterhouses throughout Turkey since 2011. Today he interviewed two Islamic theologians (Dr. Prof. Hayri Kırbaşoğlu and Dr. Prof. Ilhami Güler) about whether animals could be rendered unconscious before slaughter and still be considered Halal meat. Both stated that there is no hinderness in Islam to applying stunning. They say that it is the veterinarian, with expertise in animal welfare, who should make the decision regarding whether to pre-stun animals or not, not the Islamic theologians. Should it be better, scientifically, for the well-being of the animal and decrease suffering, which is the essence of Halal, then it can and should be applied.
Asalet, on behalf of Eyes on Animals and AWF, is working hard at spreading awareness in Turkey about the advantages of pre-stunning animals, how stunning works and the need for Turkish slaughterhouses to adopt more humane practices.
