Today is the start of the pheasant killing season
From today, millions of mass-produced, often factory-farmed, pheasants will be targets for shooters.
Posted 01 Oct 2024
Posted on the 10th December 2009
The Soil Association’s (SA) Organic Standard for Processors sets out its guidelines for the killing and processing animals who have been reared under organic systems. In the introduction, the guiding principle for Organic Standard is clearly stated: ‘To treat livestock ethically, meeting their physiological and behavioural needs.’ (1.2)
The SA’s Guidelines further state that abattoirs ‘must have a training programme that includes meat hygiene, organic integrity and animal welfare’ (42.3.1) and that staff ‘are competent, well trained and caring’. (42.5.1) On animal welfare, the SA declares: ‘The health and welfare of animals is fundamental to managing organic livestock’ and that abattoir workers must ‘avoid cruelty; satisfy the needs of animals by handling, housing and transporting them with proper care and attention; and always look after animals’ physical and behavioural needs, health and well-being’. (10.2.1)
In section 42.7.5, slaughterhouse workers are advised that they ‘must not use undue force or electric goads to move animals’.
The SA’s Guidelines – as well as the Welfare of Animals (Slaughter or Killing) Regulations 1995 – stipulates that, in order to stun animals effectively using Electronarcosis (dry electrodes), the operator must ‘place electrodes to span the brain’. (42.9.3)
The SA’s guidelines state that abattoir workers ‘must not do any dressing or electrical tenderisation until the following times after the animal is fully bled: Sheep and pigs 20 seconds’. (42.9.17)
From today, millions of mass-produced, often factory-farmed, pheasants will be targets for shooters.
Posted 01 Oct 2024
Posted 24 Sep 2024