A Structured Map of the Ritual Slaughter Legislation in the Context of the European Union

Growing concern for animal welfare during the slaughter of animals for food purposes, alongside the need to protect the rights of religious minorities, has led to the establishment of international legal frameworks regulating ritual slaughter. This article explores how EU Member States implement Council Regulation (EC) No. 1099/2009, which permits ritual slaughter while allowing States a significant margin of appreciation. Drawing on national animal welfare laws and data collected by the Atlas of Religious or Belief Minority Rights, the study identifies three main regulatory approaches: (i) States that allow ritual slaughter; (ii) States that prohibit it; and (iii) States that permit it only under specific conditions. Ultimately, this article aims to offer a clear and systematic map of the varied approaches adopted by EU legal systems in balancing animal welfare concerns with the religious freedom of Jews and Muslims, for whom ritual slaughter constitutes a significant component of their religious identity.