Halal Slaughter Guidelines

  • No pork areas: Slaughtering must not take place where pigs are slaughtered or nearby.
  • Animal welfare:
    • Animals should be fed and given water before slaughter.
    • Animals should not see other animals being slaughtered.
    • The knife must be sharp and at least four times the size of the animal’s neck.
    • Both the slaughterer and animal should, as much as possible, face the Qibla (Mecca).
    • The animal must be healthy and free from injuries or ailments.

These rules ensure that halal slaughter is humane, ethical, and compliant with Islamic law.

Halal Issues

Halal Slaughtermen – Requirements and Guidelines

  1. Qualifications and Character
    • All halal slaughtermen must be practicing Muslims of good character.
    • They must be legally permitted to work in Australia.
    • Each slaughterman must be known to at least two respected Australian Muslims who can provide references.
  2. Appointment and Identification
    • Halal slaughtermen must be appointed by AIHCO.
    • They must hold an Identity Card (I.D. card) issued by Aus-Meat.
    • The I.D. card must be carried at all times while performing halal slaughter.
  3. Scope and Limitations of the I.D. Card
    • The I.D. card allows the person to be considered for employment at an AIHCO-approved abattoir or meat processing facility.
    • Working in a different state requires prior approval from AIHCO.
    • Transfer within the same state also requires AIHCO approval.
    • AIHCO does not provide employment, and the I.D. card is not a guarantee, license, or entitlement for employment.
  4. Duties and Supervision
    • Halal slaughtermen must perform all religious duties, including slaughter, under the direct supervision of the state Halal supervisor(s).
    • Supervisors will contact the AIHCO office if there are any concerns or issues.
    • Slaughtermen must follow the rules of the abattoir and instructions of the facility manager, as long as these do not conflict with halal procedures or AIHCO requirements.

Disciplinary Actions for Halal Slaughtermen

A halal slaughterman’s registration will be cancelled, and they will be barred from all AIHCO operations in the following cases:

  1. The person ceases to be a Muslim.
  2. They fail to follow AIHCO’s guidelines for halal slaughtering and meat handling.
  3. They commit a serious crime or violate important Islamic principles, such as stealing, consuming alcohol, or adultery.
  4. They consistently fail to submit daily records of halal slaughter or production (e.g., cartons, packages) to AIHCO.
  5. They fail to attend AIHCO training or meetings without a valid reason.
  6. They are found guilty of actions or statements that damage AIHCO’s reputation.

Halal Slaughter (Sticking) of Cattle

  1. Slaughterer
    • Only AIHCO-registered Muslim halal slaughtermen are allowed to perform the slaughter.
  2. Intention (Niyyah)
    • The slaughter must be performed with the intention for Allah alone.
    • The slaughterman must be fully aware of this purpose before starting.
  3. Condition of the Animal
    • The animal must be alive and unconscious at the time of slaughter.
    • The animal must be healthy and approved by the competent authority before slaughter.
  4. Recitation
    • During slaughter, the slaughterman must recite the Islamic prayer: “Bismillah Allahu Akbar” (In the name of Allah, Allah is Great).
  5. Knife and Method
    • The knife must be razor-sharp to ensure a quick, smooth cut, causing minimum pain to the animal.
    • The halal cut should sever the jugular vein, carotid artery, and windpipe in a single swipe.