Canadian Judge Grants Jewish Groups Injunction Against Shechita Regulations

Court Suspends Shechita Rules Impacting Kosher Slaughterhouses

A Canadian judge has temporarily halted the enforcement of new shechita regulations, responding to concerns raised by Jewish groups and kosher meat companies. These groups argued that the regulations infringed on religious freedom and forced the closure of most kosher slaughterhouses in Canada.

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Background of the Regulations

The regulations, introduced by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) in 2019 but enforced only last year, require either stunning the animal before slaughter (which makes it non-kosher) or conducting lengthy consciousness tests after shechita. These requirements were seen as impractical for maintaining kosher standards.

Legal Action by Jewish Organizations

In March, several Jewish organizations, including Montreal Kosher (MK), Kashruth Council of Canada (COR), Jewish Community Council of Montreal, and the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA), filed a lawsuit against the CFIA. They argued that the new regulations effectively banned shechita by making the process too time-consuming to meet the needs of the Canadian Jewish community.

Judge’s Ruling

Judge Guy Régimbald granted the injunction, stating, “There are serious issues as to whether the CFIA’s Guidelines are unreasonable and whether they encroach on the Applicants’ rights to freedom of religion… The evidence, as presented, demonstrates a potential for irreparable harm that cannot be adequately compensated with damages.”

Suspension of Guidelines

The judge ruled that the CFIA could not enforce the three indicators of unconsciousness under the guidelines until a final decision on the lawsuit is made. This ruling effectively suspends the regulations, allowing kosher slaughterhouses to continue operations without the additional requirements.

Testimonies and Evidence

Scientists, neurologists, doctors, and shochtim (ritual slaughterers) provided affidavits supporting the position that shechita is sufficient to desensitize an animal, preventing it from feeling pain almost immediately. Lawyers argued for maintaining the status quo until the lawsuit is resolved, citing the CFIA’s lack of evidence and the irreversible damage to the Jewish community’s ability to access kosher meat.

Impact on the Kosher Meat Supply

Since the enforcement of the new guidelines, the production of kosher meat in Canada has significantly decreased. Jewish organizations have attempted to mitigate the shortfall with imported kosher meat, but this is not a sustainable long-term solution.

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The court’s decision to suspend the CFIA’s regulations provides temporary relief to kosher slaughterhouses and the Jewish community. The lawsuit will continue to determine the final outcome, but for now, kosher meat production can proceed without the additional regulatory burden.

References

• Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)
• Montreal Kosher (MK)
• Kashruth Council of Canada (COR)
• Jewish Community Council of Montreal
• Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA)

This ruling underscores the ongoing balance between regulatory standards and religious freedoms. The case continues to unfold, with significant implications for the kosher food industry in Canada.