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
