What do people really know about halal meat... sorry spelling may be incorrect.?

My friend is an Animal Welfare Officer for DEFRA and she has told me numerous horrendous stories about a halal meating processing plant she had to visit once a week. A country farming girl I am, maybe naive, perhaps, but fox hunting was banned and yet halal meat killing is beyond all that. I 'm not a veggie but I do believe in quality of life and that when life is ended it should be humane. What on earth is going on? Oh and for those who think it is not all that bad DEFRA is a government body that deals with it as it is, no glossy speeches or spin. I have heard all the stories in the media about it not being as bad as all that - but my friend has seen more than any of us would ever wish to see - why are people not campaigning against this, considering we are supposedly welfare orientated. I would apologise for those who argue against this but from a farming background I do struggle. Sensible answers only thanks no patronising remarks, I am neither ignorant of farming practice nor of cultural divide so please think before you reply, I guess I am begging the question why in a western society we allow this?