A DISGUSTING PRACTICE.

Otago Witness, Issue 3994, 30 September 1930, Page 5

A DISGUSTING PRACTICE.

SLAUGHTERING OF EWES.

DEPUTATION OF PROTEST. WELLINGTON, September 24, A strong protest against what was termed a disgusting practice at the municipal abattoirs was made by a deputation representing the New Zealand Executive , | be which waited on the Hea Ith and Abattoir Committee of the City Council.

Mr G. Mitchell, chairman of the Wellington branch, said they wished to protest with all the strength in their power against the cruel and inhuman, not to say disgusting, practice, of slaughtering pregnant ewes for human consumption. Air Mitchell explained that not only was “ lsdoiie at the municipal abattoirs in Wellington, but it was practised commonly throughout New Zealand. In Wellington the butchers themselves were in sympathy and accord with the action being taken by the S.P.C.A. At a recent inspection of the abattoirs Mr Mitchell found ewes being slaughtered that were quite close to lambing. Some ewee actually lambed in the yards while waitmg to be slaughtered. He understood that the Stock Department’s inspectors had power to condemn ewes within a fortnight of lambing, but the power was not being exercised. The flesh of a ewe within less than two weeks of lambing was not wholesome.

The chairman (Mr Meadowcroft) said the committee had full sympathy with the views of the deputation, and would assist with a view to having the practice prohibited. Full inquiry would be made. It was also stated that the Government would be approached and urged to stop the practice.