The Walloon Government plans to "eventually" ban the home slaughter of pigs, goats and sheep, as it already does for cattle and horses.
The aim of the measure is to enforce better compliance with food safety and animal welfare legislation, SudInfo reports. When slaughtering takes place at home, it is difficult to control.
"It is not a question of going against religious practices, but rather of framing them in accordance with the essential elements of animal welfare," said Walloon Minister-President, in charge of animal welfare, Adrien Dolimont (MR).
"That is why it is desirable for slaughter to take place in certified slaughterhouses. I therefore want home slaughter to be banned from now on for pigs, goats and sheep, as is already the case for other animals," he said.
When the measure would take effect is still unknown. However, it would not happen for religious festivities such as Easter (in April) or the Feast of Sacrifice (in June).
