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IHI ALLIANCE AT THE WORLD SOCIETY FOR THE PROTECTION OF ANIMALS (WSPA)

 Continuing his tour in Europe, CEO Darhim Hashim visited The World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) office in London to meet Dr. Rasto Kolesar, the organisation’s Farm Animal’s Programme Manager to discuss the latest updates on the Animal Welfare module of the IHI Alliance standard.

WSPA was the appointed secretariat of the module which was presented at the 4th World Halal Forum last year drawing positive feedback and support from global Halal players. Also joining the meeting was Sofia Parente, Programme Manager – Farm Animals Welfare, Carol McKenna, Interim Director of International Programme and Joyce D’Silva, Ambassador for Compassion in World Farming (CIWF).

For over 25 years WSPA has been actively promoting its global initiatives working with governments and key decision makers to change practices and introduce new laws to protect or improve the welfare of animals. A consultant to the United Nations and the Council of Europe, WSPA is the world's largest alliance of animal welfare societies, with more than 900 member organisations in over 150 countries.

Listening to Dr. Kolesar’s presentation on WSPA’s latest activities and projects, it was heartening for Darhim to discover how much both organisations share in objectives and common values towards preserving the good practice of animal welfares in intensive farming, long distance transport and slaughter of animals for food.

Halal slaughter, despite having been scientifically proven to be in compliance with animal welfare requirements, is still disputed by certain animal rights groups calling the method inhumane. Both European Union and United Kingdom legislation on the welfare of animals at slaughter allow exemptions for religious communities.