Day 066 - 14 Dec 94 - Page 32


     
     1        A.  No, the product will not bind as well because the
     2        products(?) have been the nature prior to processing.
     3
     4   Q.   This can be seen when the animal is dismembered?
     5        A.  Oh, yes, that is correct.
     6
     7   Q.   Can you about back to the Moscow questionnaire, the first
     8        one, turn over the page from the fax message to the chart,
     9        the questionnaire itself:  One sees here that all the
    10        questions have been answered, but against stunning practice
    11        which is the last entry but one the respondent has put
    12        "electrical stunning".  I know you have said you have not
    13        been to Russia, but do you know what the process of
    14        electrical stunning in Russia entails?
    15        A.  It is -- I have not seen it.
    16
    17   Q.   No, I know.  I understand that.  But do you know in general
    18        terms what electrical stunning of cattle involves?
    19        A.  Yes, I do.
    20
    21   Q.   How is it done?
    22        A.  It is done through a current.  It goes through the
    23        animal to all over the animal.  It is usually located close
    24        to the neck, this part.
    25
    26   Q.   Do they use electrodes, tongs, or how do they do it?
    27        A.  Yes, electrodes, that is correct.
    28
    29   Q.   Is it, in your view, a satisfactory way of stunning cattle?
    30        A.  Yes and no.  It is a difficult question because, yes,
    31        it will result, if it is done properly, it will result in
    32        the desired condition which is making the animals
    33        insensible.  But it is more prone to abuse or not using it
    34        properly, so I would still favour the captive bolt method.
    35
    36   Q.   In relation to the captive bolt, do you favour the use of
    37        head restraints or not?
    38        A.  If it can be done properly, yes.  But normally that is
    39        very difficult and it adds stress to the animal.
    40
    41   Q.   Can I ask you to look at some of the other answers to the
    42        Moscow questionnaire?  One sees that it is said -- my Lord,
    43        these questionnaires are the subject of Civil Evidence Act
    44        notices so they are evidence of the truth of their contents
    45         -- it is said that the trailers are kept in good repair;
    46        it is said that non-slip flooring is used; it is said that
    47        gates, fences, chutes and cages have smooth surfaces to
    48        prevent bruises.  Then it says that the noise level prior
    49        to slaughter is not controlled; that the animals do not
    50        have access to clean drinking water and they do not have 
    51        access to fresh air.  Then it says lower down that they are 
    52        not rested prior to stunning and slaughtering.  Do you see 
    53        those negative answers?
    54        A.  Yes, I do.
    55
    56   Q.   I was going to ask you this:  Is there any respect in which
    57        this Moscow questionnaire gives you cause for concern about
    58        the welfare of those particular Russian animals?
    59        A.  Yes, yes, absolutely.
    60

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