It's a very emotive argument. My OH and I are both very much animal lovers and we have differing opinions on this. I used to think that halal was horrendous. Truthfully, now I just don't know what to think. My OH believes it is quicker and kinder to the animal (and he is as soft as me when it comes to animals).
I saw a programme on the BBC, undercover reporters in an abattoir, a slaughterman was clearly heard saying the stun gun was a waste of time as it didn't work most of the time. That makes me think that even some who believe in stunning, aren't that bothered about animal suffering.
Take a look at this thread, I found the comments from a retired Food Inspector interesting.
http://www.theanswerb...e/Question956432.html
(Sorry ummmm ... in answer to your question - I've never shopped in a halal butchers but I have noticed one in a local shopping street, claiming that their meat is much cheaper than other outlets. I tend to go the other way and pay more for the meat, in the hope that the animal has had a decent life and quick death).