The Committee presided over by Mr. Arthur H. Lee, M.P.,
Civil Lord of the Admiralty, to consider suggestions for the humane slaughtering of animals, the Report of which was published at the end of last week, has heard a great deal of unpleasant evidence in a very thorough manner. The wit- nesses deposed to much that not only humanity, but the public health, requires should be altered. It is clear that many of the slaughter-houses are kept in a disgusting condition, and not properly built for getting rid at once of the blood and offal of the carcases. On the Continent of Europe in nearly every case the use of municipal abattoirs is com- pulsory in the great cities. Edinburgh alone of British cities adopts this system of a public abattoir, which seems admirably managed. It is most desirable that private slaughter-houses should be abolished, and that while the waiting cattle do not see the cattle being killed, there should be very free access and means of seeing what goes on for the staff. Cruelty flourishes in dark places. In the great bacon- curing districts of Wiltshire pigs are usually stunned before being killed, and this the Committee earnestly recommend should be done in the case of all animals, whether cattle, sheep, calves, or pigs. But the conclusion of the Committee is that, however humane the methods used, abuse and cruelty are likely to creep in until public abattoirs under official, supervision are established. We earnestly hope that in the. interests of humanity and of the public health the Report will be quickly followed by appropriate legislation.
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