Do Sacred Cows Make the Best Hamburgers? The Legal Regulation of Religious Slaughter of Animals

Abstract

There is now a significant body of literature demonstrating the close link between religious beliefs and the choices consumers make in their purchasing decisions. Studies into the relationship between religion and consumer preferences also demonstrate the formative role that religion plays in influencing the choice of food consumption.

Despite recent and more sophisticated scientific studies suggesting that animals experience more pain when slaughtered by religious ritual, the practice is not likely to be prohibited. Although there is a general movement in Western societies toward increased recognition of animal interests and welfare, there is no philosophical consensus attributing sufficient weight to the interests of animals that would outweigh human rights claims recognised through freedom of religious practice.