Day 089 - 15 Feb 95 - Page 11


     
     1
     2   Q.   Can I ask you, please, to look at the fourth page of that
     3        document in the section headed "Foreword"?  Do you have
     4        that?
     5
     6   MR. MORRIS:  We have not got our copy in here.  If it is
     7        important -----
     8
     9   MR. JUSTICE BELL:  Just listen and see.  If you are
    10        disadvantaged, someone will provide it.  It may be very
    11        familiar to -----
    12
    13   MR. RAMPTON:   I will read it out.  My Lord, I thought it only
    14        right, as it were, while we are on it, to have a look at
    15        the slightly different version of the Five Freedoms
    16        promulgated by the RSPCA.  (To the witness):  It is in that
    17        main paragraph under "Foreword" with an index.  Do you see
    18        the Five Freedoms there, Dr. Pattison?
    19        A.  Yes, I do.
    20
    21   Q.   I will read them out because the Defendants have not got
    22        their copy.  It says:  "The 'Five Freedoms' (as defined by
    23        the FAWC in October 1992) are as follows:  Freedom from
    24        hunger and thirst", then a subparagraph, "by ready access
    25        to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and
    26        vigour; Freedom from discomfort - by providing an
    27        appropriate environment including shelter and a comfortable
    28        resting area; Freedom from pain, injury or disease - by
    29        prevention or rapid diagnosis and treatment; Freedom to
    30        express normal behaviour - by providing sufficient space,
    31        proper facilities and company of the animal's own kind;
    32        Freedom fear and distress - by ensuring conditions and care
    33        which avoid mental suffering."
    34
    35        Can I ask you this, as a practising vet, although in
    36        industry, practising, nonetheless, do you have respect for
    37        the RSPCA?
    38        A.  Yes, yes, I do.  I think they are a very honest body
    39        with a very worthy cause in mind.
    40
    41   Q.   Do you or do you not find that somewhat different version
    42        of the Five Freedoms acceptable?
    43        A.  Yes, I think it is acceptable.
    44
    45   Q.   Can we then -----
    46
    47   MR. JUSTICE BELL:  Might I just ask, did it actually change in
    48        that six months?  Your report is April 1992 and that is
    49        said to be the same Welfare Council, October 1992, it
    50        covers the same topics, obviously, but the wording is not 
    51        the same? 
    52        A.  Yes.  I think we have to say that the Five Freedoms, 
    53        the discussion around them, is changing all the time and
    54        they are being modified slightly in the light of new
    55        scientific knowledge and in the light of opinion.  So, they
    56        are still being discussed and they are not finite at all.
    57
    58   MR. RAMPTON:  Can we take them in turn?  There is only one of
    59        them that I am going to ask you about in any sort of
    60        detail:  "Freedom from hunger and thirst - by ready access

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