The Controversy Over Expanding Home Slaughter

A recent development regarding the allowance of expanded home slaughter practices has sparked considerable debate, pitting advocates of food autonomy against concerns for animal welfare and regulatory oversight. the ASBL Nature and Progress, an association describing itself as an association of consumers and producers; Bio pioneers, has voiced strong opposition. The organization, which aims to bring solutions respecting the natural balance between humans and nature, views this expansion as a menace.

Arguments in favor of Home Slaughter

Sylvie La Spina, in a study published in the magazine “Valérian,” highlights the potential impact on individuals who choose to raise and slaughter their own animals. She emphasizes the importance of allowing individuals to fully assume their duty for eaters by raising and sacrificing the animals they consume themselves, while ensuring their well-being until their last breath. La Spina also points out the functional role animals play in a home environment:

• Garden Maintenance: Animals raised at home during their life, fulfill a function in the maintenance of the garden.
• Waste Reduction: They also aid in the valuation of kitchen waste.

The Right to Food Autonomy

La Spina argues that the ability to produce one’s own food is a fundamental right. The right to produce its own food, as is the right to cook it, is of paramount importance as it meets our fundamental need to feed us, to make choices concerning the quality of food and the way it is indeed produced. She further asserts:

It is indeed unthinkable to question this food autonomy, to force the citizen to delegate the production of their food to professionals in agriculture or the food industry.
Sylvie La Spina, Valérian

She contends that home food production and animal welfare are not mutually exclusive, emphasizing that strict regulations are already in place.

Regulatory Oversight and Animal welfare

Existing regulations governing home breeding and slaughter are enforced by regional authorities. The animal welfare controllers in the Walloon Region are responsible for enforcing this legislation among all citizens. These regulations aim to ensure humane treatment and ethical practices.

Slaughterhouse Limitations and Logistical Challenges

The debate also encompasses practical concerns related to slaughterhouse capacity and accessibility. As of July 1, the availability of slaughterhouses for pigs is limited to facilities in Virton and Gedinne. While the options are slightly better for sheep, transportation restrictions pose additional challenges.

• Transportation Limits: Individuals are limited to transporting animals within 50 kilometers from home.
• Professional carriers: Longer distances necessitate the use of a professional carrier.
• Cutting Services: Slaughterhouses typically do not provide cutting services.