HUMANE METHODS

Evening Post, Volume CXVIII, Issue 33, 8 August 1934, Page 4

HUMANE METHODS

FOR SLAUGHTER OF STOCK

S.P.C.A. SUGGESTIONS

Mure humano methods of slaughtering animals wero urged by Messrs. J. H. Howoll and E. G. Eowley, members of tho Q.P.C.A., who waited upon the abattoirs committee of the City Council yesterday afternoon.

Mr. Ilowell, suggesting mechanical methods of slaughtering, quoted a model British bylaw, adopted by many municipal authorities, as follows:—"A person shall not in a slaughterhouse proceed to slaughter any animal until, the same shall have been effectively stunned with a mechanically .operated instrument suitable and sufficient for the purpose.'? Mechanical -.stunning was largely supported by butchers, and had been adopted by the Admiralty and by the Corporation of London. Mechanical killers wore shortly being adopted by somo butchers in Auckland. The British Act would bo suggested to tho Government for adoption in New Zealand. There were three methods—tho bullet, simplest and cheapest; the captive bolt, which avoided tho least element of risk but required more care iv use; and, tho electric method, possibly the best for swine., The latter method had been used in Dunedin, with apparatus designed by the city's electrical engineer.

Tho manager of the Wellington City Abattoirs said that shooting of cattle was against tho law in New Zealand, unless life were in danger. '

Mr. Howoll pointed out that shooting was,a means already in use in Now Zealand.

The committee, said the chairman (Councillor C. H. Chapman, M.P.), wished slaughtering to be carried out as humanely as possible. Tho views of the deputation would receive careful consideration.