Authorities say religious slaughter must follow strict legal conditions

By Sadiq Abdulfatah

Authorities in have reminded the Muslim community that animal slaughter for religious purposes is allowed only under strict legal rules.

According to a report, the Interior Ministry sent a notice to the , asking it to inform Muslims ahead of about the country’s laws on religious slaughter.

The ministry said that slaughtering animals for halal meat is only permitted in approved slaughterhouses and must be done under veterinary supervision. It added that not knowing the law does not excuse anyone from punishment.

Officials also explained that a registered religious group may carry out slaughter without prior stunning only if it is done inside a slaughterhouse, for members of the group, and with law enforcement present.

The reminder follows an incident last June in Lääne-Viru County, where authorities discovered illegal religious slaughter. Investigators found 24 skinned sheep and two unskinned carcasses, along with animal remains, on a property in the village of Aseriaru. The meat was reportedly meant for sale to Muslim consumers.

The case involved the Agricultural and Food Board and the Police and Border Guard Board, which intervened after receiving a tip-off.

Eid al-Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, is one of the two main Islamic festivals and will be observed from May 26 to May 30 this year.

Estonia is a small country in Northern Europe where Islam is practiced by a minority Muslim community. While Muslims are free to observe their religion, including festivals like Eid al-Adha, religious practices such as animal slaughter are regulated by national laws to ensure they meet legal and safety standards.

Source: ERR News