Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 155: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on whether the pre-slaughter and slaughter procedures shown on Compassion in World Farming's recently-released film of an investigation into Lebanese slaughterhouses are acceptable in terms of animal welfare standards; if the pre-slaughter practice of suspending a conscious animal upside-down from one hind leg attached to a high rail is permissible under Irish law; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15776/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Under the European Communities (Protection of Animals at Time of Slaughter) Regulations 1995, animals must be restrained in an appropriate manner in such a way as to spare them any avoidable pain, suffering, agitation, injury or contusions. In the case of ritual slaughter, restraint of bovine animals before slaughter using a mechanical method intended to avoid any pain, suffering or agitation and any injuries or contusions to the animals is obligatory. Bovine animals must not be suspended before killing. These regulations are applicable only within the territory of the European Union.