Dear Spurtle
The current vociferous campaign against Halal and Shechita slaughter of food animals is a transparent excuse to get away with showing the sort of prejudice against Moslems and Jews that is no longer acceptable in a multi-racial and multi-faith society. After all, if anybody really cared about animal suffering, they'd be vegans and not debating about whether pre-stunning is necessary.
As an atheist carnivore, I can merely attest to the infinitely superior flavour of animals killed by these methods. Unfortunately, I have been unable to procure a supply of pork so killed. But if any of your readers know of a religion or culture which mandates killing in this way and eats pig meat, I would be glad to hear from them.
John Eoin Douglas
(Spey Terrace)