- Email: [email protected]
Humane slaughtering of animals for food
116
PUBLIC
Community almost entirely escaped, and that the outbreak started suddenly and subsided suddenly. On October 14th, and the five following days 31 cases were notified in twelve private schools. The private schools affected had very little communication, if any, with each other. The boys of the school in which cases were first notified did not attend church, although some of the pupils from other schools
HEALTH.
JANL*AR¥,
did, and a m o n g other preventive measures adopted was the disinfection of the church, and the exclusion from services of all children from private schools. As to the effect of the complaint on the. patients attacked, it has been found from enquiries made in connection with 56 cases, that there was evidence of paralysis in 29.
H u m a n e S l a u g h t e r i n g of A n i m a l s for Food. By C. KILLICI~ MILLARD, M.D., D.Sc., Medical Officer of Health, Leicester. The slaughtering of food animals is a matter in which the Medical Officer of Health is, for a variety of reasons, compelled to take an interest, and in this paper Dr. KilIick MiIlard, who has devoted much attention to the study of humane methods, raises points that are worthy of consideration. r~HE subject of humane slaughtering of J - a n i m a l s is a highly controversial one, and t h e questions at issue are not quite so easily settled as som e appear to think. The chief points of controversy are : (1) the stunning of animals as a preliminary to cutting the throat, and (2) the use of a " mechanically operated instrument " suitable and sufficient for the purpose of s~unning, i.e., the instrument popularly known as the " humane killer:" The first is provided for in Model Bye-law 9 (a), and the second in Model Byelaw 9 (b). The battle was fought out in Leicester two years ago, the various stages in the contest being a s follows : - (1) Representations made to the Health Committee b y an influential deputation from the local b r a n c h of the R . S . P . C . A , advocating the making the use of " humane killers " compulsory. (2) Deputation from the Leicester Butchers' Association protesting against such a measure. (3) The appointment of a special sub-committee by the Health Committee to study the question in all its bearings and report. (4) The Sub-Committee go into the matter very thoroughly. T h e y visit slaughterhouses in Leicester and elsewhere, i n c l u d i n g places where the use of humane killers has been compulsory for some time. T h e y receive a report from the Medical Officer of Health upon a special demonstration of slaughtering by various methods organised by the Butchers in Birmingham under the auspices o f the Birmingham Corporation. T h e y also have an interview with Sir George Newman at the
Ministry of Health. (5) The Sub-Committee present their report which recommends : ~ (a) Ttiat new bye-laws in regard to slaughterhouses and slaughtering be prepared. (b) That the use of the humane killer be made compulsory, but that in the case of pigs its operation be postponed for 12 months. (¢) That new public abattoirs be provided. (d) That private slaughterhouses be abolished. (6) The report is accepted by the full Health Committee. (7) The question comes~ before the City Council and the report of the Health Committee is carried, after a full-dress debate, by a very small majority. (8) New bye-laws are prepared, embodying Model bye-law 9 (b) with the proviso that as regards pigs the use of humane killers b e postponed for 12 months. (9) Another full-dress debate takes place in the City Council with the result that an amendment that the bye-taw relating to the use of " humane killers " be omitted, is carried by a small majority. This result was, of course, a victory for the butchers, and a serious disappointment to the R.S.P.C.A. U p to the present the quest.ion has not again been brought forward. Arguments against the use of " Humane Kiillers." The arguments against the use of humane killers are pretty well-known. Tl~e chief are :
1997.
PUBLIC HEALTH.
(1) Danger to the men working in t h e slaughterhouses, where a free bullet instrument is employed. A list of " accidents " which have actually occurred is published by the Meat Traders' Federation. During the eight years, March, 1913 to April, 1921, fifteen cases are recorded, but of these five were due to suicide and, therefore, were not really accidental, and one other was alleged felonious shooting, and though the accused was acquitted there is at least a doubt if it was accidental. In any case, now that the captive bolt instrument has been perfected and made sufficiently powerful for large animals (beasts) as I believe is the case, the argument as to danger can be said to have been met. (2) Damage to the flesh of the animal especially where a free bullet is used. It is allege(t that " splashing " (extravasation of blood from small blood vessels) is more likely to occur when animals are shot. (3) Loss of time, owing to shooting entailing a separate operation ; this especially applies in the case of pigs. (4) Incomplete Bleeding. This objection also specially applies in the case of pigs. It is contended, no doubt with justice, that it is most essential, where pigs are killed for bacon curing, that the carcases shouid be effectively drained of blood. (5) There is also the objection, though the butchers do not emphasise this, that the use of " humane killers " involves a certain but not very serious additional expense for first cost of implements, for ammunition, and for maintenance repairs. It is further submitted by the butchers that, so far as beasts are concerned, the poleaxe is an efficient and satisfactory implement, and whilst merciful to the beast, it is safe and handy, and not liable to get out of order. A n s w e r to Objections.
(1) Danger. W i t h reasonable care the risk of danger is not very serious. Several of the accidents that have occurred have been through using a free bullet instrument on a small animal, tile bullet coming out t h r o u g h the neck into the open again. The use of a captive bolt pistol for smaller animals would entirely obviate this danger. Further, in considering the question of danger it must be remembered that there is a possibility of accident with whatever instrument is used.
,117
The Greener " Safeti " Cattle Killer has been specially devised to eliminate danger, even with a free bullet. In this instrument the nozzle of the Killer must be actually pressed firmly against the object before it is possible to fire it. (2) Damage to the Carcase.--This is not very lit~ety to occur if the implement used is suitable to the animal. If a killer or cartridge intended for cattle is used on sheep or pigs some damage may occur. W i t h the captive bolt pistol only the brain is damaged, and then not to a very serious extent. As regards the phenomenon known as " splashing," the evidence of this is somewhat conflicting, but in so far as it is due to incomplete bleeding it is dealt with below. (3) Loss of T i m e . - - I n the case of pigs it is possible that some slight loss of time is entailed. It is reasonable to contend, however, that when the new method has become familiar, and other procedure adapted as may be found necessary, the loss of time will not be very serious. (4) Incomplete B l e e d i n g . - - T h i s , in my opinion, is by far the most important .objection of all. It was established in the case of the pigs slaughtered by t h e " humane killer " at the Birmingham Demonstration that bleeding was certainly not so complete as in the case of pigs slaughtered in the ordinary w a y . At Birmingham, however, the p i g s w e r e shot with the " killer " in the pen, before being shackled. Considerable delay ensued before they could b e shackled, hoisted and stuck. Virtually, the animals were dead before they were stuck. In order to secure satisfactory bleeding, it appears to be necessary to stick the pig immediately after it has been shot. It should be possible to do this in the short interval which usually occurs after shooting before reflex kicking sets in. As a matter of fact, this is the method I saw adopted at Southampton, Brighton and Nottingham. At a l l - t h e s e places, however, it must be admitted that I only saw small or moderately-sized pigs killed ; nor were pigs being slaughtered on a . v e r y large scale. At the Farmers' Co-operative Bacon Curers' Factory at Eastleigh, Hants., also. visited.by the deputation, operations were Carried on ,on a large scale, but the pigs were shackled and hoisted before being shot. The hoisting, however, is an objectionab!e business, and if i t b e considered necessary to hoist pigs in order to
118
PUBLIC
secure free bleeding, it is desirable that some means should be found by which pigs can be shackled, and then shot at the moment of hoisting. The conclusion I have come to, personally, is that all the serious objections to the use of the r, humane killer " can fairly be met except one, and that is the difficulty of completely bleeding pigs required for bacon curing. I do not think the difficulty is insuperable, but I do admit that at present, so far as I am aware, it has not been satisfactorily solved.
JOINT TUBERCULOSIS
COUNCIL.
A meeting of the Joint Tuberculosis Council was held at 1, U p p e r Montague Street, Russell Square, London, W.C.1, on November 20th, 1926. Present : - - S i r H e n r y J . Gauvain (in the Chair), Dr. G. Lissant Cox, Dr. J. B. MacDougall, Dr. G. B. Hillman, Dr. A. Lyndon, Dr. D. P. Sutherland, Dr. Jane Walker, Dr. Crossley, Dr. Esther Carling, Dr. G. Jessel, De. J. Watt, Dr. H. A. Ellis, Dr. S. Vere Pearson, Dr. E. W a r d , Dr. A. Neville Cox, Dr. F. J. C. Blackmore, Dr. Brand, Dr. L. S. T. Burrell, Prof. H . R . Kenwood, and Prof. S. Lyle Cummins. The minutes of the last meeting were approved. 1. The Secretary announced that (a) an account of the proceedings of the previous meeting had been published in Tubercle and P u b l i c H e a l t h ; (b) 38 Societies were engaged in Public Health Propaganda, but only one, the National Association for the Prevention of Tuberculosis, in Tuberculosis Propaganda. A list of Societies was at the disposal of the members. A Committee of the Society of Medical Officers of Health was compiling a register of Propaganda. 2. The Treasurer presented a Financial Report. To date there was a balance in hand of 415 18s. ld., but outstanding liabilities would reduce this to about 25. The PostGraduate Fund was managed separately by Dr. Brand, and on October 3rd showed a balance of'~8 is. 3. Sir H e n r y Gauvain and Professor Cummins gave an account of their visit to the International Tuberculosis Conference at YVashington, America, and of Sir Henry Gauvain's lecturing tour in the United States
HEALTH.
JasVARV,
and Canada, during which over 50 lectures had been delivered. Four members of this Council were present at the Congress: Professor Cummins, Sir H e n r y Gauvain, Drs. Nathan R a w and Varrier-Jones. All were cordially received, and spoke in the warmest terms of the hospitality they experienced. Surgical tuberculosis in America was treated by operation rather than by conservative measures. The Allbee School preferred bonegrafts, but H i b b s aimed at synostosis. Light treatment was extensively employed, and at the J. N. Allen Memorial Hospital a lamp reproducing all the rays found in sunlight had been installed at a cost of 17,000 dollars. Dr. Lawrason Brown found light treatment of great benefit in intestinal ulceration. Generally speaking, the mercury vapour lamp was preferred to the carbon arc. 4. Sir H e n r y Gauvain was re-nominated Chairman for 1927; Dr. Lissant Cox, ViceChairman ; Dr. E. W a r d , Secretary ; and Dr. \Vatt, Treasurer. 5. Dr. S u t h e r l a n d spoke for the Memo. Committee. Material was being received, but -it w a s improbable that his report would be ready for the next meeting of the Council. Dr. Blackmore presented a resolution passed by the Tuberculosis Society : " In view of the grave difficulties in the working out of the figures for Memo. 87/T., we recommend that the forms and returns be again considered, so that the figures m a y be of real value to the Ministry." 6. Dr. Gloyne was prevented by illness from presenting the report of the Research Committee. The Secretary was directed to convey to him the Council's sympathy, and their best wishes for a speedy recovery. 7. It was decided to circulate the Employment Report to Medical Officers of Health of County Boroughs and County Councils, Tuberculosis Officers and Medical Superintendents, at the discretion of the Employment Secretary. Sixpence p e r copy would be charged if further prints were desired. 8. Dr. Brand announced that a successful course in Surgical Tuberculosis had been held at Heatherwood Hospital, attended by five post graduates. One Tuberculosis W o r k e r had taken a course in Artificial Pneumothorax at Dr. Jane W a l k e r ' s Sanatorium. It was decided that a Copenhagen course should find place in next year's programme. 9. The next meeting was arranged for Saturday, January 15th, 1927, at 10 a.m.
PUBLIC
Community almost entirely escaped, and that the outbreak started suddenly and subsided suddenly. On October 14th, and the five following days 31 cases were notified in twelve private schools. The private schools affected had very little communication, if any, with each other. The boys of the school in which cases were first notified did not attend church, although some of the pupils from other schools
HEALTH.
JANL*AR¥,
did, and a m o n g other preventive measures adopted was the disinfection of the church, and the exclusion from services of all children from private schools. As to the effect of the complaint on the. patients attacked, it has been found from enquiries made in connection with 56 cases, that there was evidence of paralysis in 29.
H u m a n e S l a u g h t e r i n g of A n i m a l s for Food. By C. KILLICI~ MILLARD, M.D., D.Sc., Medical Officer of Health, Leicester. The slaughtering of food animals is a matter in which the Medical Officer of Health is, for a variety of reasons, compelled to take an interest, and in this paper Dr. KilIick MiIlard, who has devoted much attention to the study of humane methods, raises points that are worthy of consideration. r~HE subject of humane slaughtering of J - a n i m a l s is a highly controversial one, and t h e questions at issue are not quite so easily settled as som e appear to think. The chief points of controversy are : (1) the stunning of animals as a preliminary to cutting the throat, and (2) the use of a " mechanically operated instrument " suitable and sufficient for the purpose of s~unning, i.e., the instrument popularly known as the " humane killer:" The first is provided for in Model Bye-law 9 (a), and the second in Model Byelaw 9 (b). The battle was fought out in Leicester two years ago, the various stages in the contest being a s follows : - (1) Representations made to the Health Committee b y an influential deputation from the local b r a n c h of the R . S . P . C . A , advocating the making the use of " humane killers " compulsory. (2) Deputation from the Leicester Butchers' Association protesting against such a measure. (3) The appointment of a special sub-committee by the Health Committee to study the question in all its bearings and report. (4) The Sub-Committee go into the matter very thoroughly. T h e y visit slaughterhouses in Leicester and elsewhere, i n c l u d i n g places where the use of humane killers has been compulsory for some time. T h e y receive a report from the Medical Officer of Health upon a special demonstration of slaughtering by various methods organised by the Butchers in Birmingham under the auspices o f the Birmingham Corporation. T h e y also have an interview with Sir George Newman at the
Ministry of Health. (5) The Sub-Committee present their report which recommends : ~ (a) Ttiat new bye-laws in regard to slaughterhouses and slaughtering be prepared. (b) That the use of the humane killer be made compulsory, but that in the case of pigs its operation be postponed for 12 months. (¢) That new public abattoirs be provided. (d) That private slaughterhouses be abolished. (6) The report is accepted by the full Health Committee. (7) The question comes~ before the City Council and the report of the Health Committee is carried, after a full-dress debate, by a very small majority. (8) New bye-laws are prepared, embodying Model bye-law 9 (b) with the proviso that as regards pigs the use of humane killers b e postponed for 12 months. (9) Another full-dress debate takes place in the City Council with the result that an amendment that the bye-taw relating to the use of " humane killers " be omitted, is carried by a small majority. This result was, of course, a victory for the butchers, and a serious disappointment to the R.S.P.C.A. U p to the present the quest.ion has not again been brought forward. Arguments against the use of " Humane Kiillers." The arguments against the use of humane killers are pretty well-known. Tl~e chief are :
1997.
PUBLIC HEALTH.
(1) Danger to the men working in t h e slaughterhouses, where a free bullet instrument is employed. A list of " accidents " which have actually occurred is published by the Meat Traders' Federation. During the eight years, March, 1913 to April, 1921, fifteen cases are recorded, but of these five were due to suicide and, therefore, were not really accidental, and one other was alleged felonious shooting, and though the accused was acquitted there is at least a doubt if it was accidental. In any case, now that the captive bolt instrument has been perfected and made sufficiently powerful for large animals (beasts) as I believe is the case, the argument as to danger can be said to have been met. (2) Damage to the flesh of the animal especially where a free bullet is used. It is allege(t that " splashing " (extravasation of blood from small blood vessels) is more likely to occur when animals are shot. (3) Loss of time, owing to shooting entailing a separate operation ; this especially applies in the case of pigs. (4) Incomplete Bleeding. This objection also specially applies in the case of pigs. It is contended, no doubt with justice, that it is most essential, where pigs are killed for bacon curing, that the carcases shouid be effectively drained of blood. (5) There is also the objection, though the butchers do not emphasise this, that the use of " humane killers " involves a certain but not very serious additional expense for first cost of implements, for ammunition, and for maintenance repairs. It is further submitted by the butchers that, so far as beasts are concerned, the poleaxe is an efficient and satisfactory implement, and whilst merciful to the beast, it is safe and handy, and not liable to get out of order. A n s w e r to Objections.
(1) Danger. W i t h reasonable care the risk of danger is not very serious. Several of the accidents that have occurred have been through using a free bullet instrument on a small animal, tile bullet coming out t h r o u g h the neck into the open again. The use of a captive bolt pistol for smaller animals would entirely obviate this danger. Further, in considering the question of danger it must be remembered that there is a possibility of accident with whatever instrument is used.
,117
The Greener " Safeti " Cattle Killer has been specially devised to eliminate danger, even with a free bullet. In this instrument the nozzle of the Killer must be actually pressed firmly against the object before it is possible to fire it. (2) Damage to the Carcase.--This is not very lit~ety to occur if the implement used is suitable to the animal. If a killer or cartridge intended for cattle is used on sheep or pigs some damage may occur. W i t h the captive bolt pistol only the brain is damaged, and then not to a very serious extent. As regards the phenomenon known as " splashing," the evidence of this is somewhat conflicting, but in so far as it is due to incomplete bleeding it is dealt with below. (3) Loss of T i m e . - - I n the case of pigs it is possible that some slight loss of time is entailed. It is reasonable to contend, however, that when the new method has become familiar, and other procedure adapted as may be found necessary, the loss of time will not be very serious. (4) Incomplete B l e e d i n g . - - T h i s , in my opinion, is by far the most important .objection of all. It was established in the case of the pigs slaughtered by t h e " humane killer " at the Birmingham Demonstration that bleeding was certainly not so complete as in the case of pigs slaughtered in the ordinary w a y . At Birmingham, however, the p i g s w e r e shot with the " killer " in the pen, before being shackled. Considerable delay ensued before they could b e shackled, hoisted and stuck. Virtually, the animals were dead before they were stuck. In order to secure satisfactory bleeding, it appears to be necessary to stick the pig immediately after it has been shot. It should be possible to do this in the short interval which usually occurs after shooting before reflex kicking sets in. As a matter of fact, this is the method I saw adopted at Southampton, Brighton and Nottingham. At a l l - t h e s e places, however, it must be admitted that I only saw small or moderately-sized pigs killed ; nor were pigs being slaughtered on a . v e r y large scale. At the Farmers' Co-operative Bacon Curers' Factory at Eastleigh, Hants., also. visited.by the deputation, operations were Carried on ,on a large scale, but the pigs were shackled and hoisted before being shot. The hoisting, however, is an objectionab!e business, and if i t b e considered necessary to hoist pigs in order to
118
PUBLIC
secure free bleeding, it is desirable that some means should be found by which pigs can be shackled, and then shot at the moment of hoisting. The conclusion I have come to, personally, is that all the serious objections to the use of the r, humane killer " can fairly be met except one, and that is the difficulty of completely bleeding pigs required for bacon curing. I do not think the difficulty is insuperable, but I do admit that at present, so far as I am aware, it has not been satisfactorily solved.
JOINT TUBERCULOSIS
COUNCIL.
A meeting of the Joint Tuberculosis Council was held at 1, U p p e r Montague Street, Russell Square, London, W.C.1, on November 20th, 1926. Present : - - S i r H e n r y J . Gauvain (in the Chair), Dr. G. Lissant Cox, Dr. J. B. MacDougall, Dr. G. B. Hillman, Dr. A. Lyndon, Dr. D. P. Sutherland, Dr. Jane Walker, Dr. Crossley, Dr. Esther Carling, Dr. G. Jessel, De. J. Watt, Dr. H. A. Ellis, Dr. S. Vere Pearson, Dr. E. W a r d , Dr. A. Neville Cox, Dr. F. J. C. Blackmore, Dr. Brand, Dr. L. S. T. Burrell, Prof. H . R . Kenwood, and Prof. S. Lyle Cummins. The minutes of the last meeting were approved. 1. The Secretary announced that (a) an account of the proceedings of the previous meeting had been published in Tubercle and P u b l i c H e a l t h ; (b) 38 Societies were engaged in Public Health Propaganda, but only one, the National Association for the Prevention of Tuberculosis, in Tuberculosis Propaganda. A list of Societies was at the disposal of the members. A Committee of the Society of Medical Officers of Health was compiling a register of Propaganda. 2. The Treasurer presented a Financial Report. To date there was a balance in hand of 415 18s. ld., but outstanding liabilities would reduce this to about 25. The PostGraduate Fund was managed separately by Dr. Brand, and on October 3rd showed a balance of'~8 is. 3. Sir H e n r y Gauvain and Professor Cummins gave an account of their visit to the International Tuberculosis Conference at YVashington, America, and of Sir Henry Gauvain's lecturing tour in the United States
HEALTH.
JasVARV,
and Canada, during which over 50 lectures had been delivered. Four members of this Council were present at the Congress: Professor Cummins, Sir H e n r y Gauvain, Drs. Nathan R a w and Varrier-Jones. All were cordially received, and spoke in the warmest terms of the hospitality they experienced. Surgical tuberculosis in America was treated by operation rather than by conservative measures. The Allbee School preferred bonegrafts, but H i b b s aimed at synostosis. Light treatment was extensively employed, and at the J. N. Allen Memorial Hospital a lamp reproducing all the rays found in sunlight had been installed at a cost of 17,000 dollars. Dr. Lawrason Brown found light treatment of great benefit in intestinal ulceration. Generally speaking, the mercury vapour lamp was preferred to the carbon arc. 4. Sir H e n r y Gauvain was re-nominated Chairman for 1927; Dr. Lissant Cox, ViceChairman ; Dr. E. W a r d , Secretary ; and Dr. \Vatt, Treasurer. 5. Dr. S u t h e r l a n d spoke for the Memo. Committee. Material was being received, but -it w a s improbable that his report would be ready for the next meeting of the Council. Dr. Blackmore presented a resolution passed by the Tuberculosis Society : " In view of the grave difficulties in the working out of the figures for Memo. 87/T., we recommend that the forms and returns be again considered, so that the figures m a y be of real value to the Ministry." 6. Dr. Gloyne was prevented by illness from presenting the report of the Research Committee. The Secretary was directed to convey to him the Council's sympathy, and their best wishes for a speedy recovery. 7. It was decided to circulate the Employment Report to Medical Officers of Health of County Boroughs and County Councils, Tuberculosis Officers and Medical Superintendents, at the discretion of the Employment Secretary. Sixpence p e r copy would be charged if further prints were desired. 8. Dr. Brand announced that a successful course in Surgical Tuberculosis had been held at Heatherwood Hospital, attended by five post graduates. One Tuberculosis W o r k e r had taken a course in Artificial Pneumothorax at Dr. Jane W a l k e r ' s Sanatorium. It was decided that a Copenhagen course should find place in next year's programme. 9. The next meeting was arranged for Saturday, January 15th, 1927, at 10 a.m.