THE HUMANE KILLER FOR SHEEP [To the Editor of the
SPECTATOR.] SIR,—A demonstration Of the humane slaughtering of sheep by means of a mechanical killer took place at the Model Abattoir, Letchworth, on June 18th. The demonstration was carried out by Mr. John S. Robertson, head of the well- known Edinburgh firm of meat traders, James Wilson, Limited, and his slaughtermen at the invitation of the Duchess of Hamilton and Miss Lind-af-Hageby; at the abattoir erected under their direction.
Persistent efforts have been made by the organized meat trade to get sheep excluded from the humane provisions of the Bill, and in view of the erroneous statements circulated ' it was thought well to offer Members of the House of Commons an opportunity, at a place within easy reach, of judging for themselves of the advantages of the humane method from the points of view of humanity to the animals, of quick- ness and expediency to the slaughtermen, and of hygiene— a point of paramount importance to the consumer.
The demonstration was carried out with great success and entirely disproved the objections raised to humane killing by meat trade representatives in the House of Common.s and outside. The carcases. of , the twenty-five sheep slaughtered have been purchased by Messrs. Selfridges.
Among Members of Parliament present at the demonstration were Brig.-General Charteris, Lt.-Col. Moore, Lord Fermoy, Mr. A. Maitland, Mr: Robert MacLaren, Mr. W. Wright, Mr. Viant, and Mr: R. Dennison. Among other guests were the Rev. B. G. Bourehier and Mr. George Arliss. The guests were shown over the model abattoir, which is the most up-to-date in England, and which has been specially designed for the purpose of demonstrating the latest and most humane methods of slaughtering, the hygienic treatment of meat, and the theoretical and practical instruction of slaughtermen. —I am, Sir, &c.,
LEISA K. SCHARTAIY, Secretary, • Animal Defence and Anti-Vivisection Society. 35 Old Boid Street, IV .1..
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