Commons Refuse to Permit Introduction of a Bill That Would Abolish Kosher Slaughter

The House of Commons, by a 219 to 60 vote, refused today to permit the introduction of a bill to amend the Animal Slaughter Act in a manner that would abolish shechita– Jewish ritual slaughter. The bill, which David Ensor, Labor MP, wanted to present, had the backing of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Council of Justice for Animals. It was opposed by the Board of Deputies of British Jews. The measure would have required the stunning of animals prior to slaughter. Mr. Ensor defended it and said he had received over 700 letters and 3,000 signatures of which only 15 were opposed. Peter Archer, another Labor MP, said he had witnessed slaughter by stunning and kosher methods and if had seen anything “distressing or foul” he would side with Mr. Ensor.