Alderman Stephen Moutray has called on Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council (ABC) to recommend the installation of CCTV cameras in all Northern Ireland slaughterhouses.
Under the halal code, animals are supposed to be killed quickly, with a single sweep of a surgically sharp knife.
They should not see the knife before they are slaughtered, or witness the death of other animals.
Animals must be alive and healthy at the time of slaughter, and all blood drained from the carcass.
Stunning cannot be used to kill an animal under the principles.
The RSPCA says slaughter without pre-stunning causes “unnecessary suffering”.
It follows the launch of a public consultation on mandatory CCTV in slaughterhouses in Northern Ireland by DAERA.
In the consultation document on this issue, DAERA Minister Andrew Muir MLA says compulsory CCTV coverage will help “prevent and deter offences”.
Mr Muir said: “Where it has been introduced, it is accepted that mandatory CCTV coverage can lead to improvement in practices and operating processes, a greater ability to observe animals in areas that are inaccessible, improve consumer perception of slaughterhouses and help prevent and deter offences.”
Stephen Moutray (Photo: ABC Council)
Speaking during a meeting of the council’s Governance, Resources and Strategy Committee on April 9, Alderman Moutray said: “My information would lead me to believe there are about approximately 20 slaughterhouses in Northern Ireland — 15 of these already have CCTV.”
He added that the council should support the installation of CCTV, particularly in sites where “the barbaric practice of halal” takes place.
“I would feel that the council should be making a positive contribution here and saying that we would support CCTV in all slaughterhouses in Northern Ireland, particularly if there are any involved in the barbaric practice of halal,” he said.
“So, I would maybe ask if the officers want to take that back and bring forward a response, and then we could debate it next month at committee.”
Head of community planning, policy and research Elaine Gillespie said that, should members agree, the matter would be referred to the relevant department for a response next month
Alderman Moutray’s recommendation was proposed by Councillor Liam Mackle (Sinn Fein, Lurgan DEA) and seconded by Councillor Mary O’Dowd (Sinn Féin, Lurgan DEA).