submissions re share farms to Senate Enquiry

SUBMISSION FROM (AFIC) AUSTRALIAN FEDERATION Of ISLAMIC COUNCIL AND COUNCILS IN CONJUNCTION WITH (HKM) HALAL KIND MEATS, PALE AND RSPCA QLD

Thank you for the opportunity to provide comments on the provisions of the National Animal Welfare Bill 2003.

We would request this to be published and would like to give evidence at your enquiry. Thank You

Australian Federation of Islamic Council and Councils (AFIC) holds concerns for Animal Welfare.

1. We submit to your enquiry that until there is an Alternative method of farming and slaughtering of all animals and including and especially beginning with live exports nothing will change.

2. We further submit to this enquiry that we encourage all Animals Groups and including the Government to work to support our Agreement with a company known as Halal Kind Meats (HKM). Those people in the Animal Welfare Industry may also recognise the name (PALE) People Against Live Exports in Conjunction with RSPCA QLD and Wendy Lewthwaite.
   It may not be widely known among the community that many Muslims are in actual fact vegetarians.
   Muslim people do not agree with Animal Cruelty.
   (AFIC) Australian Federation of Islamic Councils working with (HKM) Halal Kind Meats has put together a program to foster joint ventures with overseas live importers and investors with Australian Farmers in co joining or by lease or by personal arrangement and operating FREE RANGE Farms for all Animals and co-jointly owned abattoirs within Australia.
   
   Australian Federation of Islamic Councils (AFIC) have amongst other things Coordinate the Muslim Community across the Nation and represent all Australian Muslims in Government and interfaith affairs.
   
   Australian Federation of Islamic Councils (AFIC) co-jointly with (HKM) Halal Kind Meat are responsible for Halal Meat and Food Products Certification.
   Australian Federation of Islamic Council (AFIC) also supports the establishment of many Muslim Animal Welfare Groups and encourages all members of the Community and other Animal Welfare Groups to make contact with the email address that will be provided below.
   
   It is important that you follow this process that we work with from head office to head office.
   All Animal Welfare Enquiries ideas and initiative will be directed to our HKM office.
   The party Australian Federation of Islamic Council (AFIC) and Halal Kind Meats Wendy Lewthwaite of HKM Halal Kind Meats and PALE in conjunction with RSPCA QLD have identified a common goal namely the desire to stop the inhumane treatment of animals and to have meat and meat products prepared in accordance with the laws of Islam commonly referred to as Halal.

3. We recognize the advantage of having meat and meat products provided in Australia for export which is being killed and prepared in accordance with the laws of Islam.
   (AFIC)(HKM) Halal Kind Meats and Australian Federation of Islamic Council recognises the need for export meat and meat products and the opportunity which flows are consequence to both employment and industry and Wishes to Ensure the humane Slaughter of Animals.

4. Halal Kind Meats (HKM) and the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils (AFIC) have reached and performed significantly preparatory work in relation to the established Halal Abattoirs in Australia. Halal Kind Meats have investigated and wishes to trial a new more humane slaughter method of the slaughtering of the larger beasts as opposed to stunning of the animal. This is of considerable interest to(AFIC) the Australian Federation of Islamic Council and Halal Kind Meats as it appears this matter of slaughter will not damage the skull and the brain on the animal.
   (AFIC) Australian Federation of Islamic Councils and (HKM) Halal Kind Meats have reached desires of promoting the Establishment of Halal FREE RANGE Farms and Abattoirs vegetables and stock with Australian and Muslim co-joint owner ship and lease holds. Australian Federation of Islamic Council (AFIC) is supportive of such an initiative.

5. (AFIC) Australian Federation of Islamic Councils there by seeks all Animal Welfare Groups support and including the Government in establishing these Free Range farms this will not only be for Animals going to live exports but every Animal mentioned. FREE RANGE Animals are top priority for (AFIC) the Australian Federation of Islamic Council. To bring about necessary changes to State and Federal Animal Welfare acts so that Animal Welfare matters can be dealt with more diligently by the appropriate law and force meat agency and to have power given to other Animal Welfare Organisations to deal with unlawful codes of practice and Animal Welfare Complaints.

6. (HKM)and the AFIC are aware of a Court hearing regarding a Western Australia charges that have been laid and whilst supportive of this and anything against Animal cruelty would like to stress that until an alternative method has been developed within Australia it will continue to happen. We must have an alternative to fix the Animal Welfare in this country. Australian Federation of Islamic Councils AFIC) and HKM are working hard and would seek everybody’s Cooperation and assistance to do so.
   Perhaps the best way is to focus on all farm animal feedlots including dairy cattle, battery chooks and all things mentioned under this Bill. Again the evidence of animal cruelty is well documented so we will work to alleviate the problem. (AFIC)in conjunction with HKM RSPCA QLD PALE supports the complete overhaul of the way in which the inspections are carried out in ships carrying animals overseas. (AFIC) in conjunction with RSPCA QLD (HKM) recognises that there is no way we can ensure good Animal Welfare in other Countries where we have no powers and again supports free ranged farms in Australia.
   
   We are sincere in our wishes further more to work more closely with our Australian Brothers in our Country Australia of which we are not only citizens but have grown to love. We our proud Muslim Australians reaching out to our Australian brothers and farmers to work more closely and tie to bonds of friendship and understanding that is so much needed in what can only be described as difficult times for all of us.
   Islamic Concerns for Animal Welfare the Australian Farmers is real and we seek the Governments support to assist us to create thousands of jobs in regional areas while at the same time putting Animal Welfare as a top priority while supply healthy FREE RANGE Meats.
   
   

It is incorrect that Muslims require Animal Alive to perform religious sacrifices or that there is no refrigeration in many Muslim countries.

The Holy Prophet used to say: "Whoever is kind to the creatures of God is kind to himself" (Wisdom of Prophet Mohammad; Muhammad Amin; The Lion Press, Lahore, Pakistan; 1945).

According to the learned commentators of the Qur'an Majeed, animals all live a life, individual and social, like members of a human commune. In other words, they are like communities in their own right and not in relation to human species or its values. These details have been mentioned to emphasize the point that even those species which are generally considered as insignificant or even dangerous deserve to be treated as communities; that their intrinsic and not perceptible values should be recognized, irrespective of their usefulness or their apparent harmfulness.

basically cruelty is animals is an absolute not allowed. you must not show a knife to an animal.
You are about to slaughter because it is considered as killing it twice.
Strict laws and is punishment for cruelty to animals and is not tolerated.

Dominion Over Animals e Qur'an Majeed states that man has dominion over animals: "He (God) it is Who made you vicegerents on earth" (Qur'an 35:39), but makes clear that this responsibility is not unconditional and states what happens to those who misuse their freedom of choice and fail to conform to the conditions that limit this responsibility: "Then We reduce him (to the status of) the lowest of the low" (Qur'an 95:4,5). "…they are those whom Allah has rejected and whom He has condemned...because they served evil" (Qur'an 5:63). "…they have hearts wherewith they fail to comprehend, and eyes wherewith they fail to see, and ears wherewith they fail to hear….Such (humans) are far astray from the right path" (Qur'an 7:179).

Animals Have Consciousness

Many passages from the Qur'an Majeed and Hadith state that all animals are endowed with spirit and mind and "…there is ample evidence in the Qur'an Majeed to suggest that animals' consciousness of spirit and mind is of a degree higher than mere instinct and intuition. We are told in the Qur'an Majeed that animals have a cognizance of their Creator and, hence, they pay their obeisance to Him by adoration and worship:

A Dutch team of scientists has found scientific evidence of mental suffering in animals. They have discovered that, like the human brain, an animal's brain too releases a substance called 'Endorphin' to cope with emotional distress and pain, caused by frustration or conflict. This substance is 100 times more powerful than morphine. (This was reported in the newsletter of Compassion in World Farming Agscene, August 1985, 20 Lavant Street, Petersfield, Hants, England.)

At the time of this incident, the tribe was experiencing a dearth of food and water and was, therefore, neglecting its livestock. It was revealed to Prophet Saleh to single out a she-camel as a symbol and ask his people to give her her fair share of water and fodder. The people of Thamud promised to do that but, later, killed the camel. As a retribution, the tribe was annihilated. This incident has been mentioned in the Qur'an Majeed many times in different contexts (Qur'an 7:73, 11:64, 26:155, 156; 54:27-31).

Mad Cow: It is time to be organic and natural

Before you feast on that carefully selected Halal burger from your local Muslim grocer, consider this disturbing statistic: 75 percent of Halal meat in America produced in the year 2000 came from pork fed cows, according to Dr. Stephen Emanuel, from Agway Feed Company.

The story gets even worse in light of the recent discovery of mad cow disease. The first case ever in America was discovered in Washington state in December 2003. Mad cow disease in animals is caused by animal cannibalism- the practice of feeding animals used for human consumption with other animals. This practice is a meat industry standard.

The truth is that beef, as well as all other animal products, including chicken, dairy, and eggs, are not safe, even without the risk of mad cow disease. Most are jam-packed with fat and cholesterol and increase the risk of heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. (Yes, chicken has nearly as much cholesterol as beef.) Loaded with too much protein, they raise the risk of kidney disease and osteoporosis. And given intensive farming and slaughtering processes, they're often contaminated with foodborne pathogens.

In the United States the cows are being fed pork based protein, like pork meat byproducts, pork bone meal, explains Mazhar Hussaini, president of the North American Halal Foundation. It is also the same with chicken.

Muslims are directed in the Quran to eat food that is Halal and Tayyib. Halal is defined as food that is permissible according to Islamic law. Tayyib means wholesome, pure, nutritious and safe. Traditionally, Muslims in North America have emphasized the Halal over the Tayyib when it comes to meat consumption, Hussaini says.

For instance, great emphasis is placed on ensuring that animals slaughtered for consumption are done so in the Islamic manner (the practice known as Zabiha). However, little to no attention is given to whether or not the animal itself is healthy, free of disease, hormones, antibiotics, and chemicals at the time of slaughter. Also, what kind of food it consumes is not taken into consideration, despite the fact that herbivorous animals only are permissible to eat.

Moreover, price is a major consideration for Muslims, at the expense of meat quality.

My experience is that Muslims are willing to pay for Nike shoes for $150 but when it comes to meat to feed their family, they will bargain on pennies, says Adnan Aldayel, president of Dakota Halal Inc. The company produces Halal meat products which are raised on vegetarian diet distributed primarily on the East and West Coast.

Organic meat is one option for Muslims insistent on feeding their families Halal and Tayyib food.

Organic meat is produced with animals raised on land free of pesticides, fertilizers, genetically engineered or irradiated foods. Farmers keep a detailed record of all methods and materials used in growing or producing the meat. With cows, all feed and pasture on which they are grazed must be organic. They are also not allowed hormones or antibiotics. However, they can be vaccinated. Animals are considered organic after three months of being raised on an organic farm.

Thirty-nine percent of the US population uses organic products. Sales of organic food totalled $5.4 billion in 1998, about $6.5 billion in 1999, and reached nearly $7.8 billion in 2000. The market has grown 20%-24% annually during the 1990s

Although organic foods account for less than one percent of total retail food sales, this sector is growing faster than any other area of the food industry. Since 1992, sales of organic foods have increased by more than 20 percent annually with continued strong growth expected for at least the next decade.

But according to Hussaini, organic is not the only choice Muslims have if they want to maintain a diet free of Haram and hormones. Meat produced on natural farms is another option.

Natural beef is produced from animals not fed any meat-based proteins, hormones or preservatives. Animals are fed grass, hay, corn, beans and oats. Natural farmers do however use antibiotics and different kinds of medicine if an animal is sick. However, they will wait 30 days after administering antibiotics or medicine to slaughter the animal. This is done to make sure the effects of the antibiotics are no longer in the animal's system. An animal is considered natural after living three months on a natural farm.

At the moment there are few Halal meat producers who choose animals for their products that are strictly fed non-animal feed. Aldayel's Dakota Halal, CrescentHalal.com (hand slaughter) and the Ohio-based Halal Pride Chicken (machine slaughter) are three that have taken steps towards the Tayyib, not just Halal.

An additional problem, according to Aldayel, is that most owners of Halal meat shops across the United States do not really care if the meat they are providing customers meets the best standards of Halal and Tayyib. In some cases, he says, grocers have bought non-Zabiha meat and sold it to unsuspecting customers as Halal.

Tabasum Amir, Chicago, IL - wrote on 9/20/2005 4:08:11 PM
Comment: This was truly an eye opener. I have always been fond of organic, nutritious, and wholesome foods. To emphasize this is truly fantastastic. It gives a new meaning to the word Halal and can be used to prevent many health problems in the community and world. After all, obesity is causing many health problems and eating less meat and saturated fats from the animals would really contribute to less obesity. Also, eating fast food contributes to a lot of obesity also which will be reduced by focusing on such ideologies. We need to promote more awareness of these principles to government regulations and policy makers.

Comment: Thanks for valuable information, But it seems to have more public involvement and government regulation to counter such situation and avoid spreading such disease.

Rayhana, Ellicott City, MD - wrote on 11/24/2004 3:47:30 PM
Comment: Thank you for making this kind of information available to Muslims. I hope to see more public awarness and more importantly solutions to this problem.

Munier Morgan , South Africa - wrote on 10/11/2004 6:48:41 AM
Comment: The process of slaughtering and storage is not enough to signify a product to be Halaal. Muslim Councils need to be involved in the whole process or cycle of a animal to give certification We need to go beyond the point of just the method of slaughtering and be contend that the meat is halaal We must determine origin of animal and where the animal was born System endorsed with regards to feeding and nurturing of animal These functions should be the responsibilty of Muslim regulating authorities who have the responsibilty of certifying meat as being halaal It does not make sense that live stock are being fed pork and animal flesh and then sold to abbotoirs that slaughter and certify halaal We need to be more pro active and take the lead after all we are the consumers of this meat So it is the whole process from birth to feeding and food types and medication and interaction with other animals that determines if this animal is lawful for consumption Salaam

Nadir Uddin, San Jose, CA - wrote on 7/14/2004 11:51:48 PM
Comment: Thanks for your article. What a sad and crazy world it is when animals are treated the way they are in this country, all for increased profits. Ever since the first case of Mad Cow disease was found in America (the products from which were sold in the town I live in) I have felt that it is better to eat meat that is tayyib but not halal, instead of halal but not tayyib. It is sadly unfortunate that meat that is halal and tayyib is so hard to find. Fortunately I live near a place that sells a wide range of natural meats only. But it is time that muslim start demanding their halal butchers seek out natural and organic cows instead of seeking out the cheapest halal butcher available. Inshallah things will soon get better.

UmmAliya, Midwest, USA - wrote on 6/8/2004 4:43:10 PM
Comment: This is a very informative article. I always was curious of the market that my husband and I use. Many times the meat was extremely bloody which I have never encountered when travelling in predominately Muslim countries. Now it's even more disturbing to know that some of the meat I've been thinking was halal has been fed animal

aren Ibarra, mid-Michigan - wrote on 5/12/2004 9:20:47 AM
Comment: This article has been very helpful. We raise naturally fed goats. I am seeking a halal facility to help butcher and market them. It appears there is an interest in the type of product we are producing. Is there anyone in this state who is interested in helping provide this natural meat to the consumer??? Please e-mail us, we have market ready animals available now.

rizwanalibhai, uk - wrote on 2/24/2004 8:06:09 PM
Comment: I have been wanting to found an organic halal meat mail order company for quite some time. is there anyone in the uk interested in such a business scheme if viable.

um omar, - wrote on 2/7/2004 12:41:47 AM
Comment: assalam aleikum: very good article. since I read it I have been looking for more articles and try to find halal/organic meat providers . if anyone knows how to get to these providers please let me know on this web site. We live in Michigan and there are a lot of halal meat markets but most are not organic.

Zakiyyah, Missouri, - wrote on 1/28/2004 8:33:42 AM
Comment: As-Salaam-Alaikum, The article was enlighting....We all should be living and eating halal/organic food, and lifestyle(that which is good an wholesome) We should be able to go to our Halal Markets and purchase Zabiha meat and eggs,milk,etc. This is why we pay more because its Zabiha/Halal. Our markets should make sure its purchasing Zabiha/Halal products nothing less then that....Insha-Allah

We as Muslim should come together and establish and support our own farms and processing plants,this way we will know for sure.

* It is a matter of record when on the rare occasion export licences have been cancelled, the same operator registers a company in another name and continues to operate in this trade.

May Allah bless our intention.AFIC, HKM, PALE in conjunction with the RSPCA QLD

US LIVE CATTLE IMPORTS FROM AUSTRALIA – USDAs Animal and Health Inspection Service is holding a public meeting Feb. 6 to discuss the process and science used to establish and verify compliance with protocols for importing cattle into the United States. Topics will include the disease status of exporting regions or countries, transportation issues, quarantine issues, the risk of the introduction of disease into the United Sates from the importation of cattle and other items. This in part follows pressure from Australia to initially allow imports of feeder steers, although more recently the attraction of accessing the current oversupply of feedlot cattle in Australia has also been of interest. The NCBA continues to strongly oppose imports from Australia.

http://www.google.com.au/search?q=cache:7Sp3nQB-e9EJ:www.amc.asn.au/primeCuts/archive/20020125.doc+Humane+Slaughter+Act+++Qld&hl=en&ie=UTF