The ban on slaughter without stunning is also upheld at the European level

The European Court of Human Rights rules that the ban on slaughter without stunning that applies in Flanders and Wallonia does not violate the European Convention on Human Rights. Flemish Minister for Animal Welfare Ben Weyts is delighted: “We are making history today. This ruling means that the door is now open to a ban on slaughter without stunning not only in Brussels, but throughout Europe. Flanders has been the pioneer in effectively preventing this avoidable animal suffering. As Flemings, we can be very proud of this.”

Weyts now wants to reach out to the religious communities that have challenged the ban. “Let us now turn this page for good and strive together for improved animal welfare in future. In the coming months, I will use the European presidency to export the Flemish fight for improved animal welfare to the whole of Europe.”

Groundbreaking

“The road has been difficult, but we have now reached a groundbreaking legal ruling. For the first time - and unanimously - it was ruled that animal welfare is indeed compatible with freedom of religion,” says Ben Weyts.

No more Brussels arguments

Brussels N-VA group chair Cieltje Van Achter also responds: “All major national and European courts have approved the Flemish ban on slaughter without stunning. Congratulations, minister Ben Weyts! Minister Clerfayt and the Brussels government no longer have any argument whatsoever to exclude the ban on slaughter without stunning from the future Brussels animal welfare code.”