The second and third questions are related and concern whether stun-
ning is used. The underlying reasons why stunning is compulsory by law
in some countries include prevention of animals experiencing pain during
the cut and being distressed before death; hence the emphasis on humane-
ness of the technique. However, the original and historical advantage of
stunning an animal before slaughter was to immobilize or control move-
ments. Supporters of religious slaughter methods that reject preslaughter
stunning believe that their particular method is humane.
Shechita precludes preslaughter stunning, whereas for Halal, provid-
ing the animal does not die, it is acceptable in some countries (e.g., Turkey
and Malaysia). The issue of whether the neck cut is painful has received
much controversy and discussion. There are two camps about the pain is-
sue: Those who think the cut is quick and painless, and therefore slaughter
without stunning can be effective and acceptable, and others who argue
that varying degrees of severe pain is inevitable. Scientific methods to
measure “pain” during neck cutting have recently improved, and New
Zealand researchers, using neurophysiologic techniques, showed neck
cutting to be noxious (Gibson et al., 2009a,b), particularly when blood
vessels are severed. Debate continues nevertheless, claiming that the cut
did not simulate original Shechita or the knife was not long enough. Older
arguments by Rosen (2004) and Levinger (1995) stating that the Shechita
cut is painless because use of the sharp knife causes no pain and brain
function is lost immediately still get support. While the potential for pain
perception exists, other risk factors such as changes in direction of the
cut, multiple cuts or performance of backup cuts, inadequately sharpened
blades, thick necks, skin folds, and insufficient tension of the neck could
increase chances of increased pain perception.
Another concern is the delayed time to loss of consciousness after the
neck cut. Following exsanguination, it is imperative that consciousness is
lost rapidly. Length of time to loss of consciousness depends on a number
of factors such as the method of restraint, quality of the cut, as well as spe-
cies differences. Time to loss of brain function has been studied by various
researchers who examined electrical activity of the brain such as electro-
encephalogram (EEG)-evoked responses as well as animal reactions andreflexes. These reports revealed variations in the above-measured param-eters and durations. There is evidence, however, that in cattle, neck cutting
can result in carotid occlusions and delay time to loss of consciousness
(Anil et al., 1995a,b; Gregory et al., 2011).
It is generally agreed that grand mal epilepsy, quiescent period, ampli-
tude less than 10% of the pre-stun recording in the EEG, and absence of
evoked responses are indicative of unconsciousness. However, presence
of evoked potentials does not necessarily imply consciousness because
visual-evoked potentials can be recorded in animals under anesthesia
(EFSA, 2004). Kalweit et al. (1989) recorded visual and somatosensory
responses after Shechita neck cutting without stunning in cattle and com-
pared responses after captive bolt stunning. In the latter cases, both re-
corded responses were lost immediately, whereas after neck cutting with-
out stunning in the former, responses, although gradually being reduced in
amplitude, lasted almost a minute. Therefore, the fact that brain function
is not completely lost gives an element of doubt about the presence of
sensibility if no stunning is used.