PAINLESS DEATH FOR ANIMALS _ [To the Editor of the
SPECTATOR.] SIR,—The objection raised by Mr. Bearn to chloroforming foxes is certainly justified if the method of administration is not better understood than his letter would appear to indicate. The use of a properly constructed lethal box with provision for the admission of air until the animal is quite unconscious (but not dead) is necessary, and the chloroform should on no account be allowed to touch the animal, or be placed so that the full strength is inhaled at once.
Wherever ordinary illuminant gas is available, that can be used in a lethal chamber which is constructed to admit the gas at the top so that the air is gradually driven out at the bottom and unconsciousness supervenes very rapidly and with- out any struggle. Gas, offensive as its smell may be to us, has not the pungency of chloroform and excites no resistance. Of course, fox farms are not usually situated where coal gas is available, and I have heard that the exhaust from a motor car is equally effective though I have no personal experience.
But taking all things into account I think that the captive bolt pistol designed for small animals for use with a blank cartridge, would answer every purpose of giving instantaneous death without injury to the pelt and with perfect safety for
[What have those engaged in fur farming got to say ? From their standpoint would there be any objection to tho use of the captive bolt pistol ?—En. Spectator.]
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