Protest after prosecutors refuse kosher slaughter investigation
PR dla Zagranicy
Peter Gentle
02.05.2013 11:36
The District Veterinary Inspectorate and three animal rights groups have filed a complaint against prosecutors in Bialystok, north east Poland, after they failed to open an investigation into the Jewish kosher slaughter of animals.
The animal rights groups filed the complaint after kosher slaughtering in the town of Tykocin, Podlaskie province, in March of this year, saying that the animals were killed without first being stunned.
Prosecutors announced that they would not open an investigation into the incident, however, after concluding that no offence had been committed.
According to the lawyers, the Polish legal system currently has conflicting standards but the priority "should be given to [laws] which relate to rights and freedoms, including the freedom of conscience and religion."
On 23 April, Poland's government approved draft legislation that would reinstate the slaughter of livestock according to the customs of Jewish and Muslim minorities after the slaughtering method was deemed illegal by Poland's Constitutional Court in December 2012, ruling that it was at odds with Polish law against cruelty to animals.
Kosher and halal slaughter had previously been exempt from animals rights legislation in Poland.
The slaughter of the animals in Tykocin was attended by representatives of the Jewish community and Poland's Chief Rabbi Michael Schudrich, who told the PAP news agency that law dating back to 1997 states that Jews "have the right to ritual slaughter."
He also referred to an EU directive which came into force on 1 January this year, which allows animal slaughter in accordance with religious traditions and requirements. (pg)