LIVE MOUSE SWALLOWED

Patea Mail, Volume XLVIII, 17 February 1926, Page 3

LIVE MOUSE SWALLOWED

SILLY ACT OP BRAVADO. When Michael Devitt, a labourer, of Blackburn, was in a public house, a man entered with some white mice, which ho offered for sale. Devitt, in a spirit of bravado, declared he could eat them, and, picking one up, immediately swallowed it, but was prevented by the landlord from taking others. He apparently felt none the worse for his exploit until about 24 hours later, when the tcrritying suggestions awakened his sense of fear. Tke man began to have 1 ‘ awful pains’' including a ” scratching in the throat,”.and he sought medical attention. He was given medicine and told to return home. The medicine did not cure the man’s distress, however, for late at night he collapsed with nervousness, and a police officer was called in to “ a man who had swallowed a mouse and was choking.” The ambulance was called with all urgency, and the victim was treated at the infirmary. He was given emetics, »ad was sent home, being told to report again. He did not do so, and it was presumed that he had recovered. A doctor stated it was possible that the mouse would digest like other flesh foods, and the bones of s-t small an animal were not likely to cause much inconvenience.