SLAUGHTER HOUSES

Treatment of Animals in Slaughter House

Treatment of Animals in Slaughter House

Introduction

Relationships between humans and animals have received increasing attention in recent years. Attitudes towards slaughter animals are gradually changing, and society has accepted the concept that animals are capable of suffering and need protection. Frequent reports of gratuitous ill-treatment have urged many countries to issue regulations in order to protect animals from the most common forms of violence and abuse. Researchers, slaughter managers and legislators are beginning to consider problems related to slaughter and slaughterhouses not only from the economic but also from the ethical point of view. In the past, man was concerned primarily with profit and the exploitation of animals; however, the views of society are now increasingly characterized by feelings of solidarity, and by the recognition that animals have some rights and that these rights must be respected (Lambooy, 1981). There is no doubt that transport, handling, lairaging and slaughter can be sources of stress for the animals involved. In addition to environmental, climatic and social changes, muscular activity and maltreatment must also be considered.

Slaughterhouse Personnel

Animal welfare can be ensured only if the personnel engaged in slaughterhouses have been correctly trained. There is a close relationship between considerate treatment of slaughter animals and adequate instruction of personnel (29). Moreover, personnel are likely to work better and more humanely if working conditions are good. Workers should be experienced in the unloading, moving, lair aging, restraining, stunning and bleeding of animals. Training of workers is commonly conducted by other workers performing the same task and, consequently, outdated ideas are likely to be passed on. In contrast, correct training must be based on scientific principles and must enable workers to learn and understand the problems of the slaughter process, so that they become fully aware of their duties. Workers should also be instructed on the meaning and importance of the principles of animal welfare on which international and domestic legislation is based. Local authorities should grant a licence to workers who have attained the required qualifications (Herzog, 1983).

Personnel should be patient, sufficient in number and respectful of the behavior of animals. Rapid movements are sources of fear and excitement for the animals. Correct and calm treatment may be very advantageous in terms of labor, as excited animals are more difficult to handle.

Although the behavior of each animal or group of animals may vary according to breed, sex, age and rearing system, some behavioral patterns are common to all or many animals and should be known to the personnel. Workers who know the herding behaviour or the reactions of different animals to light or penetration of their personal space may use this knowledge to the best advantage when handling and moving animals. Animals control their spatial territory by drawing back or trying to escape if approached within a certain distance. The personal space of the animals should be respected all times: for instance, handlers should not lean over the side of a race, because in this way they ...