Chloe, you're right...
My mum studied vetinary science, and they learnt a lot about the slaughter process and what different religions do, and she was really disgusted at how animals were slaughtered in non-halal/kosher abbatoirs.

I have heard many Buddhist monks who talk about eating meat (not all Buddhists are vegetarians) and suggest that if you eat mean then eat halal or kosher meat as the slaughter is done in a way that is respectful to the animals.

Though I don't know much about what happens afterwards... not sure if you saw my other question but just wondering if there are things that have to be done to keep meat halal... I *think* I heard it has to be kept and cooked separate from any pork... is that to keep it halal?