HUMANE KILLING.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16938, 12 January 1923, Page 6

HUMANE KILLING.

TO THE EDITOR Sir,—You published an article yesterday on various methods of destroying maimed or aged animals. It is admitted that each system of putting a creature ci: of existence has its advocates and adverse critics, but many of those offering advice are not at all qualified to give it. One may instance the use of the S.P.C.A. Humane Killer, which, is supposed to be the most improved method yet devised for putting a heavy animal—bullock, cow, horse, etc—out of pain. Tin's instrument is something like a stout walking stick which is fitted with a spring in one end and a bullet-firing apparatus in the other. The Killer is held up against the forehead of the beast so as to make absolutely certain that the shot is effective. Of course in the use of this apparatus a knowledge of the bones of the head of a beast is necessary, so as to get the most accessible and vulnerable portion. There was a suggestion that this Humane Killer should he generally adopted by S.P.C.A. officers and those killing maimed or otherwise useless animals. However, in advocating this means of destruction people forget that very often infuriated beasts have to he dealt with, and what hope then has the would-be destroyer of placing the Humane Killer in a mathematically and phrenologically correct position on the beast’s head? As Inspector White said yesterday it is a pity that his Colt’s automatic pistol was taken from him. for with that he could deal surely and effectively with any beast. —I am, etc., INTERESTED.