Day 088 - 13 Feb 95 - Page 36


     
     1        We were one of the first to install a system of low voltage
     2        stunning and high cycle which was developed with Bristol
     3        abattoir and Bristol University.  We found that it gives a
     4        very good clean kill and also it benefits meat quality
     5        also.
     6
     7   Q.   Also benefits meat quality?
     8        A.  Yes.
     9
    10   Q.   I noticed you called it "a kill"?
    11        A.  Yes.
    12
    13   Q.   Why did you call it a kill?
    14        A.  I called it kill quite purposely, because this is an
    15        area where there is a great deal of debate and contention.
    16        It is a very difficult area.  I hope I am not pre-empting
    17        some of your questions, but I would like to explain the
    18        situation at this moment.  When Dr. Gregory came to our
    19        plant he acknowledged that our pigs were very active on the
    20        line.
    21
    22   Q.   Two fell off before the stick, did they not?
    23        A.  Yes, we will come to that at some time a little later
    24         -- very active on the line after stunning.  Over the years
    25        we have had many vets who have been -----
    26
    27   MR. JUSTICE BELL:  I am sorry, you are getting soft again.
    28        A.  Over the years we have had many vets come to our plant
    29        and see the situation and they have questioned it because
    30        of the activity on the bleed line.  It has been proven,
    31        undoubtedly, that that pig is more dead than what one is
    32        still.  If I amy give an example, sir, that is, if you chop
    33        the head off a chicken, what happens?  There is all sorts
    34        of activity.  At the same time why do they pith cattle?
    35        That is to stop the kicking so it is safe for the man to
    36        stick the beast.  So, therefore, we have been able to prove
    37        over the years, whilst it does not look as though the
    38        animal is dead, it is dead.
    39
    40   MR. RAMPTON:  May I remind you, Mr. Bowes, that although
    41        Dr. Gregory saw, I think, two out of 13 pigs fall off the
    42        line before it got to the stick, he was satisfied that
    43        every single one of the pigs that he examined was perfectly
    44        stunned?
    45        A.  Yes.
    46
    47   Q.   In case a pig falls off the line before it is stuck do you
    48        have any kind of backup measure that you can use to, as it
    49        were, repeat the dose?
    50        A.  Sorry, I did not hear the last. 
    51 
    52   Q.   Do you have any kind of backup up, long stop, in case a pig 
    53        falls off the line before it is stuck?
    54        A.  Oh, yes, we have a captive bolt pistol there at the
    55        ready.
    56
    57   Q.   Is there somebody who can use it in a trice?
    58        A.  All our staff on our slaughter line are all licensed to
    59        slaughter.
    60

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