Slaughterhouses hard to stomach
TO put meat on the dining table, it is obvious that an animal has to die.
Staggeringly, in Britain each year we kill 853 million chickens, ducks and turkeys. Most of these are on conveyor belts of slaughter, with often over 10,000 poultry dying each hour.
The Government's own welfare advisory body, The Farm Animal Welfare Council is concerned that it would be difficult to guarantee the welfare of individual birds at this rate. Many birds are shackled (upside down) before slaughter, which they said can cause pain and distress and should be phased out.
They were also gravely concerned that many birds could miss stunning altogether and have their throats cut while they are fully conscious. Incredibly, slaughtermen are issued with a licence for life and are never reassessed.
The average Brit consumes 11,047 animals in their lifetime – that's how many you could save by simply making the choice for life and go veggie! Viva! is here to help.
Justin Kerswell,
Viva!
York Court,
Wilder Street
Bristol.
5 Comments
by Chris, Derby
Saturday, July 04 2009, 9:35AM
“Whilst not being a vegitarian I do agree that standards must be high when it comes to the slaughter of animals for food. Humans are naturally omniverous, if we weren't the human race would have become extinct thousands of years ago.
As a child I was once sent to the farm next to my Aunt's house to buy a chicken for Sunday dinner. I remember how I was asked to choose a chicken from the coope and the Farmer's wife picked up the one I chose, and with a swift action the bird was despatched in less than a second. I remember being shocked, but I still enjoyed the Sunday meal. Farmers have been doing this for centuries, and I cannot see how this chicken suffered any discomfort as it previously had a free run of the farm and freedom to leave its coope at any time. I would always choose a free range chicken over a battery bred bird any day as I am opposed to the crel conditions he birds are kept in.
As to slaughter of other animals, there are strict regulations and high standards set by the Goverment - and yes I agree Halal does not seem to comply with British laws, laws which must apply to all meat suppliers.”
by meat eater, Derby
Thursday, July 02 2009, 11:59AM
“I like meat and poultry much the same as many others, while some miss being stunned and yes it shouldnt happen but at least it is done. Halal meat and poultry is bled unstunned, thrashing etc while bleeding to death. While I buy british meat I refuse to buy Halal meat at all.”
by WhiskeyEcho, Rural Derbyshire
Wednesday, July 01 2009, 2:02PM
“Why should the people of Derbyshire have to read the thoughts of a Bristolian? Don't they have a newspaper?
(I'll stop eating meat when my incisors fall out.)”
by Joanne, Derbys
Wednesday, July 01 2009, 10:45AM
“Justin- an excellent letter, and food for thought...
I'm not a vegetarian(although love veggie food,)- but I could see myself and my family converting more after hearing information like this.
I'm sure if most of us knew the full facts more of us might not take meat eating for granted.
Even if just for health reasons.
I will look up your website, and suggest to others.”
by Onlooker, Derby
Wednesday, July 01 2009, 10:05AM
“Sorry Justin I don't agree with your view.Whilst I agree that animals may suffer during slaughter and more humane methods are needed can you imagine a world devoid of all farm animals?
Most farmers and poultry breeders make their living from selling the meat from the animals and not from milk or egg production.There would be no point in raising any livestock if this source of revenue was removed.”