Animal rights or human rights? Green criminology and the problem of ritual slaughter

• In Event: Green Criminology #4 - Animal rights and animal welfare

Abstract

One of the contemporary challenges for green criminology is the issue of non-human victims. The dilemma between the humanitarian protection of animals and the socio-economic needs of humans, which is the phenomenon of ritual slaughter, is, therefore, part of this field of scientific consideration. This issue arouses discussions among scientists representing various scientific disciplines (law, criminology, biology, philosophy, ethics, cultural studies, religious studies, food science). At the same time, it is an issue that generates great emotion and controversy and, consequently, significant political, social, and media interest. In Poland, an attempt to ban ritual slaughter was made in 2019 but failed due to strong resistance from the food industry. Ritual slaughter mainly concerns the slaughter of animals (cattle, poultry) for religious purposes (kosher meat, halal meat) of certain religious groups (Jews, Muslims). The vast majority of meat produced in this way is exported as the above religious communities are few in Poland. However, this activity brings large profits to food producers. Supporters of ritual slaughter also emphasize that it is one of the elements of religious freedom and, thus, one of human rights. Opponents of ritual slaughter, especially animal rights activists, point out that this practice is a manifestation of animal abuse and, therefore, violates animal rights. The author of the presentation will discuss mainly green criminology issues as well as legal issues (criminal law, administrative law) and also historical, economic and ethical issues. In the debate around ritual slaughter, it is necessary to consider several arguments (e.g., financial profitability, moral acceptability, cultural tradition, religious freedom, human rights, animal rights, animal welfare, humanitarianism).

Author

• Maciej Andrzej Duda, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn