The measure has been in effect since July 1 but has not really been the subject of intense communication. Apart from an article by West France published ten days ago, the SVA Jean Rozé did not dwell on its decision. It is, however, more than symbolic. Since July 1, the two slaughterhouses of the Intermarché group have stopped slaughtering without prior stunning of the animals. More clearly, the SVA no longer performs the ritual slaughter required by the Muslim (halal) and Jewish (kosher) religions. In France, the stunning of animals is mandatory before slaughter. Except in the case of religious rites “in order to guarantee the free exercise of religious practices”, specifies the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty.
Located in Vitré (Ille-et-Vilaine) and Trémorel (Côtes d’Armor), the two slaughterhouses of the Vitreous Slaughtering Company (SVA) wish to support “societal awareness raising”. The Mousquetaires group relies on a simple observation: “Society’s general expectations regarding animal welfare have evolved significantly over the past few years. And the slaughterhouses want to adapt to it, even if it means depriving themselves of a market.
Around 15% of cattle slaughter
Contacted, the SVA explains that “out of 300,000 cattle slaughtered per year, ritual slaughter concerned 15% of the animals”. And specifies that “this shutdown will have no significant consequences on the work processes”. Founded in 1955 in Vitré, the SVA markets each year more than 250,000 oxen, nearly 100,000 calves and nearly 300,000 lambs according to its website.