ANIMAL WELFARE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27043, 30 March 1949, Page 5

ANIMAL WELFARE

WORK OF FEDERATION STOCK AS WELL AS PETS “ Dogs and cats are not the only animals to come under our care, though that impression is held by many people,” said Mr R. H. James, chief inspector of the recently-formed New Zealand Federation of Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, when addressing a meeting of the Otago Society yesterday. “Our most serious work embraces cattle, sheep and pigs.” he said. Mr James is touring New Zealand for the purpose of “stepping up the methods of slaughtering in freezing works and abattoirs.” He said the tour had been a wonderful success. There was no legislation enforcing certain killing methods, but in so far as the industry was concerned, he had been shown the utmost courtesy when making suggestions which would lead to improvement Mr James was generally satisfied, however, with the killing methods employed throughout the country. Only a small percentage of works still retained practices distasteful to the federation, he said. The “ solo system ” of sheep killing, which was most satisfactory, was being used throughout New Zealand. During his stay in Dunedin, Mr James has visited the freezing works and Abattoirs at Burnside, and he was favourably impressed with the conditions there. He said that the handling and housing of stock was probably the best he had seen. The hammer was still used, however, and he had suggested to the manager that it be replaced by the more modern equipment. No one could condemn the treatment of animals at the Otago Medical School, added Mr James, summing up a visit to the school. Everything was done in the strict observance of the best medical practice. In his judgment, there was no need for an antivivisection organisation.