“MERCY BULLETS’ INVENTION

Manawatu Times, Volume LIII, Issue 6541, 24 February 1928, Page 2

“MERCY BULLETS’ INVENTION

A new bullet has been invented which, it is hoped, will'put an end to the sufferings of wild 'animals pursued in the cause of research and sport. : ... ; . This invention, It is said ,combines with the usual functions of a projectile the principle of a hypodermic needle. It can be fired from a shot-gun or rifle, and contains a chamber filled with an anaesthetic. When the bullet strikes the animal the needle penetrates the flesh and releases the anaesthetic which immediately renders the victim unconscious. Then it is an easy matter to approach and bind the animal. Instead Of trying to kill with the first shot hunters who use this new bullett will bo expected to try to get merely a superficial wound, for the anaesthetic works just as well with a flesh wound as with a more vital one. Captain Harris, who is loading an expedition to the wilds of Borneo, intends to use these new bullets. Ho declares that every hunter knows that frequently he -hits his animal or bird, but fails to prevent its escape, “This means that they go

off somewhere, experience hours of agony, and finally die. If they are shot with the new bullets they will die, at least, without pain,” ho says. The “mercy bullets,” as they 'are termed, are extremely complicated and hence more expensive than ordln ary bullets, and will have to be made in various sizes. An anaesthetic, for example,-which would render a rabbit unconscious would not be potent j enough for an elephant.;-