Investigation Of Methods Of Killing Stock

Chronicle (Levin), 10 June 1948, Page 6

Investigation Of Methods Of Killing Stock

Press Association )

(Per

WELLINGTON, .Tune 9. That only 20 of the 5S slalighterhouses throughout the Dominion employed satisfactory killing methods, is stated in a report issued today by the Dominioir president of the New Zealahd Federation of S.P.C.A. 's. This follows a Dominion survey carried out by Mr. R. H. James, Palmerston North, from the works at Moerewa, Bay of Islands. to Ocean Beach, Bluff/ exeluding Poverty Bay and Bay of Plenty. The report stated that stock passing througli licensed slaughterhouses arinually numbered nearly 20,000,000 includiug about 11,000,000 lainbs and 4,500,'000 sheep, 1,000,000 cattle, 750,000 pigs and 1,250,000 calves. There was uo legislative cnactment governing the methods of slaughtering and liandling stock and the investigation ailned at a comprehensive survey of the position. Specific reference was made to kosher killing. Commenting oti killing methods, Mr. James said almost the" universal method of slaughtering sheep which provided for eutting the throat, breaking the neck and sovering the spinal cord in one operation, must be regarded as satisfactory. In only one instance had he found sheep slaughtered without the neck being broken simultaneously with the killing operation. In the North Island sheep wei;e mostly handled meehanieally, the trip systerh, and in the South Island the solo system was still used. Both methods fully conformed with S.P.G.A. standards. Five different methods were employed in killiVig cattle. It was considered that the use of the rifle, hammer, pitli and pole-axe was not satisfactory. The captive bolt stunning gun used eitlier on the forehead or via the medulla, was the best instrument thus far evolved. The greatest need for refovm was found in pig lcilling. In the inajority of cases, said the report, pigs were Rhackled and stilck without prior stuiluing. PreviouS trials with electric stunning had proved unsatisfactory but throughout the country Mr. James encountered- willingness to try the system even should .it meart some adaptations. Little reform Was cpnsidered necessary in the actual slaughtering of calves but it was recommended that the federation still press for the zoning of freezing works as applied* to calves. Of 58 slaughterhouses visited, 22 were considered in need of reform and a further 16 merited investigation.