Day 088 - 13 Feb 95 - Page 29


     
     1        groups?
     2        A.  Yes, they are.
     3
     4   Q.   They are then prompted to go up, what, a ramp to the
     5        stunning pen when it is time to be stunned?
     6        A.  Yes, it is.
     7
     8   Q.   Do you use any goads or sticks in your establishment?
     9        A.  It is banned on the farms, it is banned on our lorry
    10        drivers and our stockmen and it is banned in the meat plant
    11        also.
    12
    13   Q.   Suppose in the slaughterhouse on the way up, I do not know
    14        what you call it, the race, or whatever you call it, to the
    15        stunning pen, you have pigs being unruly or coming off the
    16        lorry, by what means are they controlled?
    17        A.  By what we key call guide boards.
    18
    19   Q.   Which are what?
    20        A.  I was looking for an example in the courtroom; there is
    21        not one.
    22
    23   Q.   How big is it?
    24        A.  It is about two foot six square with a hole in the top
    25        so that you can get hold of it in this fashion and you have
    26        it before you.
    27
    28   Q.   A bit like a riot shield, is it?
    29        A.  If you like to classify it as such, sir.
    30
    31   Q.   Let me ask you about your stockmen.  Have you read
    32        Dr. Gregory's evidence in this case, not his report but his
    33        oral evidence in this court?
    34        A.  Yes, I have, sir.
    35
    36   Q.   I suspect you will have noticed that he was extremely
    37        complimentary about the way in which your people handled
    38        the animals such that he was going to teach some of your
    39        techniques himself; did you notice that?
    40        A.  Yes, I did, sir.  I wish I had known that before; we
    41        could have had a little bit of commission.
    42
    43   Q.   He is in New Zealand; you could write to him now.  Let us
    44        be serious about this, Mr. Bowes, if we may.  How important
    45        do you think it is that your stockmen should handle the
    46        pigs properly?  I will ask you what you mean by "properly"
    47        in a moment but how important do you think it is?
    48        A.  It is, I would think the handling and the welfare of
    49        the animal is absolutely crucial to our business -- you
    50        know, I come back to my comfort factor -- and everyone 
    51         ----- 
    52 
    53   Q.   Bear with me a moment, Mr. Morris is laughing.  Is your
    54        attention to the welfare of the animals motivated solely by
    55        pounds, shillings and pence over the counter?
    56        A.  No.
    57
    58   Q.   I am sorry I interrupted you.  The comfort factor, is this
    59        something for which the stockman has an important
    60        responsibility, therefore?

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