Is halal ritual slaughter cruel to animals?

I SHARE the views about the medieval horrors of halal slaughter (Letters). I insisted my local branch of Sainsbury’s told me which meat on their counters came from animals that had been ritually slaughtered, so I could avoid it. I was gratified to learn there was none. Though they are hard pushed, I wish farmers would stop selling animals to those who subject them to these horrors.

S. M. WINSLADE-RAFTER, Sheffield.

WHILE I share the abhorrence of non-stun slaughter, I don’t agree that if the method was shown on meat labels, it would discourage people from buying it. I shop at one of the ‘big four’ supermarkets and though there are many halal butchers in my town, it has opened a concession. People whose heritage is not Muslim put clearly labelled packs of halal meat into their trolleys. The cruelty of this method of slaughter needs to be brought to public attention.

Name supplied, Barrowford, Lancs.

I DOUBT labelling meat with a note on how the animal was killed would change things. Nonetheless, I can’t stomach the thought of this outdated and primitive slaughter. A strong pre-stun might be an acceptable compromise, but certainly nothing less.

TONY THOMPSON, Banbury, Oxon.

MOST New Zealand lambs are killed using halal methods. I always buy British meat to avoid this and also so I know it hasn’t travelled far.

ANN MILLER, Saffron Walden, Essex.

I GAVE up eating meat because of my concerns over the way animals are slaughtered. My skin is clear, my hair shines and I have slimmed down by two dress sizes.