HC Deb 15 February 1951 vol 484 c106W
131. Lieut.-Colonel Lockwood

asked the Minister of Food whether he is aware of the unnecessary suffering which is inflicted on animals, especially pigs, killed outside slaughterhouses on farms and on private property; and whether he will take the necessary steps to ensure that such animals are taken to slaughterhouses or killed on the premises with a humane killed by, or under the supervision of, a licensed slaughterer.

Mr. F. Willey

This was the subject of a debate in another place on 16th November, 1950, as a result of which I have arranged for a notice to be affixed to every application for a self supplier's licence to slaughter drawing attention to the desirability of ensuring that animals are slaughtered under humane conditions.

Following is a copy of the notice:

"Humane Slaughter of Animals To ensure that the animal is humanely slaughtered, you should have it dealt with at a slaughterhouse and if this is not practicable employ a skilled slaughterman. Where a humane stunner is not available the local police will give you the address of the nearest Inspector of the R.S.P.C.A., or, in Scotland or Northern Ireland, the Scottish or Ulster S.P.C.A., respectively from whom one may be obtained on loan.