NEW figures revealing an increase in the number of animals killed without prior stunning have led to the number of people signing a petition calling for the end of non-stun slaughter to reach 105,000.

A spokesman for The British Veterinary Association (BVA), which is supported by the RSPCA, said: “The milestone is a significant step in the campaign to end non-stun slaughter and shows strong public backing.”

The Government e-petition was launched last year in a bid to highlight the practice which it believes compromises animal welfare at the time of death. European and UK legislation requires all animals to be stunned before slaughter to render them insensible to pain.

However, a derogation in the legislation allows animals to be slaughtered without stunning in Muslim and Jewish communities.

The BVA said the success of the e-petition will increase the pressure on Government to rethink its position on non-stun. The association called on the chairman of the backbench business committee to honour the e-petition and hold a House of Commons debate in the next Parliament.

BVA president John Blackwell said: “It is no surprise this petition has exceeded 100,000 signatures in just nine months. There is growing public concern about the welfare of farm animals and people believe animals should be treated as humanely as possible throughout their lives, including at the time of slaughter.

“Animal welfare science and practical experience indicate that cutting animals’ throats while they are fully conscious can cause significant pain and distress.

“There should be no exemption under the law to allow non-stun slaughter and we urge politicians to take action on this important issue.”