Decree No. 573 of 1996 implementing article 44(9) of the Act on health and well-being of animals (Ordinance on Ritual Slaughtering).

This Decree regulates the slaughtering of animals according to Islamic and Israelite rituals. The Decree does not provide for hygienic or sanitary measures. Article 3 establishes the general principle that no pain which can be avoided shall be inflicted upon the animals during the preparation of and during the ritual. The slaughtering of animals without anaesthetics shall be done in accordance with directions of the veterinary inspection surgeon or a meat inspector. Other provisions regulate the construction of slaughter-houses, equipment used in slaughtering and actual slaughtering. These provisions also refer to EC Council Directive 93/119/EC. (14 articles)