A 15th century depiction.

Kosher slaughter, also known as shechita, shehitah, shechitah, or shehita, is the kosher slaughter of certain mammals and birds for food.

The practices of handling, restraining, and unstunned slaughter have been criticized by, among others, animal welfare organizations and veterinarian organizations. There are also related criticisms regarding Muslim halal slaughter.

Jews have rejected the criticisms, and also claimed that the criticisms are at least partially due to anti-Semitism. Israel has lobbied against bans.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recommended in 2004 that "due to the serious animal welfare concerns associated with slaughter without stunning, pre-cut stunning should always be performed". Regardless, most European countries have not implemented such laws.