New Zealand has banned shechita, the kosher slaughter of animals.
The country’s new animal welfare code, which took effect May 28, mandates that all animals for commercial consumption be stunned prior to slaughter to ensure they are treated “humanely and in accordance with good practice and scientific knowledge.”
The regulation has shocked the Jewish community.
“This decision by the New Zealand government, one which has a Jewish prime minister, is outrageous,” said Rabbi Moshe Gutnick, acting president of the Organization of Rabbis of Australasia. “We will be doing everything possible to get this decision reversed.”
Agriculture Minister David Carter rejected a recommendation that shechita be exempt from the new code. Among other countries that have banned shechita are Iceland, Norway and Sweden. — jta