Day 104 - 15 Mar 95 - Page 66


     
     1        you have asked him his opinion and others may express
     2        contrary opinions.
     3
     4   MR. MORRIS:  What process that a bird could go through would you
     5        describe as "cruel".  I am not asking Mr. Rampton.  I am
     6        asking the witness.
     7        A.  I mean, if you pick up a stick and beat an animal with
     8        a stick, then I regard that as an act of cruelty.
     9
    10   Q.   So, if something is just inevitable, unavoidable, then the
    11        level of suffering in it so far as you are concerned is not
    12        your problem?
    13        A.  Well, I think I have gone at great lengths to explain
    14        how we try to do things to make life as comfortable as can
    15        be.  I cannot really comment, make a general comment, on
    16        something which is a detailed process with many facets to
    17        it.  If it is carried out effectively and in a considerate
    18        manner, then I do not believe it is cruel.
    19
    20   Q.   Would you say as a member or a previous member -- I do not
    21        know if you still are -- of the Farm Animal Welfare Council
    22        that people have a right to express the belief that the
    23        process I have just described is cruel?
    24        A.  I have always said that everybody is entitled to their
    25        own opinion about anything.  I do not have a problem with
    26        that at all.
    27
    28   MS. STEEL:  There is another question but I am not sure -----
    29
    30   MR. JUSTICE BELL:  Have you just a few more questions to go
    31        now?
    32
    33   MS. STEEL:  I have only two, I think.
    34
    35   MR. JUSTICE BELL:  Yes, very well.   I was going to say collect
    36        yourself if need be, but you know what they are.
    37
    38   MS. STEEL:  Farming separately the chickens, the sexes, sorry,
    39        the males and the females separately, that was introduced a
    40        few years ago?
    41        A.  It has probably been used for 10 or 12 years now.
    42
    43   Q.   In sheep, you did say a few years ago.  You say it was 10
    44        or 12 years ago?
    45        A.  Something like that.
    46
    47   Q.   Do you know Mr. Murdoch Urquhart?
    48        A.  Yes.
    49
    50   Q.   What is his position? 
    51        A.  He is a Personnel Manager for Sun Valley. 
    52 
    53   Q.   Have you spoken to him about this case in the last week?
    54        A.  Yes, I have spoken to a lot of people about this case.
    55
    56   Q.   Did you speak to him about Mr. Bruton giving evidence?
    57        A.  I heard that he had been asked to give evidence, yes.
    58
    59   Q.   Yes, but did you speak to Mr. Urquhart?
    60        A.  Yes, I did speak to him because I wanted to know who

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