The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Pigs => Topic started by: Eve on August 29, 2010, 10:20:38 pm
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We took our beloved, loving and trusting pigs to the same abattoir this week that we had used last year.
Last year this abattoir had been very good, all quiet and calm despite there being lots of customers, not a splatter of blood in sight. Very relieved with the whole process.
This year it was horrible, to put it mildly, as one vicious and very, very angry person in a blood stained shirt decided that pigs existed for him to deliberately inflict pain upon (electric shocks, even in their faces, petrified panic-stricken pigs desperately trying to flee).
Got the carcasses back, their heads bruised and with pieces pieces missing and cut out - anybody who can tell me to which extent this could be normal, please do, as I am shocked but have nothing to compare to as I didn't see the heads of my previous pigs after slaughter.
Anybody who wants to know the details, please let me know, I've written everything down to take this further.
Eve - shocked, stressed, and with a awful feeling of guilt and anger
Home slaughter next year
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using an electric prod like that is an offence. having bruising on the meat should have been taken off as not fit. but if i was you i would complain to the rspca/animal health and make sure you let other know what they were doing. if it was not the boss complain. lastly you can refuse to deliver them. you have looked after them and cared for them there is no justification for excessive cruety.
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I know nothing about pigs or abbatoir experiences but would hope that this is wrong. You must complain to every person you can and put a stop to further cruelty. I understand you must be horrified, let us know how you get on please.
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Which abattoir was it???
I am in Powys and am planing to send my pigs to the Daysdrove abattoir in Bishop's Castle.
Was it them?
I know you probably can't say much on an open(ish) internet forum because of defamation etc but a simple yes or no would be very helpful.
What a shock :-(
Susanna
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Eve, how awful. complain, to stop this happening to any more poor animals... theres just no need is there.
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Thankyou for your messages, it was traumatising (and not just for the pigs). Nearly a week later and it's still constantly in my mind, it's the first thing I think of when I wake - I know I pampered my pigs too much but no normal person could think of what was done to them as normal. I've contacted Animal Health and will be taking this to any organisation and person I can think of.
I can never, ever do this again. Next year it'll be home slaughter, probably, luckily I don't sell meat so I can do that. No pig of mine is ever going to be even the slightest bit stressed or in pain ever again!
Powys, don't worry, I'm based in the northern Home Counties.
Thankyou all,
Eve
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Eve, what an awful experience. :(
Good luck with your fight.
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Sorry you had such a rotten experience. Even at the huge commercial abattoir I use, they dont abuse the pigs at all. I know some of the lorry drivers can be a bit slap happy with the electric shocker, although never, ever seen them use it anywhere but on the backsides and always when the pigs are trying to turn back into the lorry. I dont like it but ...
However if the abattoir had abused my animals, they would have got a screaming virago, albeit they wouldnt have understood much of what I was saying as I doubt my french would have stood up to the moment. I would also contact animal health and animal welfare. If they did that when you were there, what will they do if you were not. Also it may help your own peace of mind to do something about the mistreatment. The sadistic bully is relying on people being traumatised or concerned that they wont be able to use the abattoir again to keep silent and to allow him to do this.
Cruelty is cruelty under whatever guise. Hope you are able to complain and to make a difference. (Its giving me the collywobbles just thinking about your experience).
HM
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Thankyou. I did protest at the way the animals were being treated but was told twice: "iI's either this or you take them home". They know full well that those traumatised animals would never have gone anywhere near a trailer again and that we couldn't just take them elsewhere, so it's really a case of "we'll inflict as much pain as we like".
I'm normally the interfering type who shouts loudly very quickly, but this time I was just too shocked, so my protesting was at a lower volume, so to speak. You can imagine I'll be watching anybody who ever comes near my pigs again like a hawk!
So far I've got on my list of people and organisations to contact:
Defra (Animal Health), they're getting my full statement by email tonight
Food Standards Agency
MP for my area and the abattoir's area
The 3 main political parties as according to Animal Health the government is planning on having next to no vets at all at abattoirs but counting on "trust" (!!!)
RSPCA
Compassion in World Farming
Prince Charles (well, his secretary or foundation)
Any online forum I can think of
Please do all let me know if you have any suggestions!
I'm a bit scared, to be honest, but I just have to do this for the animals and myself.
Eve
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Eve
I am so sorry you have had this traumatic experience.
Firstly i would name and shame this abattoir as somebody on here may be about to send animals to them and better forewarned etc. It will also put people off using this abattoir and hurt them in the pocket which is usually where there is most effect. Abattoirs can't afford to lose business to bad press.
Secondly which i think you will already have done is speak to the owner/management regarding what happened and ram home hard the fact that you will be kicking up a stink with the authorities and insist to know if any disciplinary action has been taken against the sadistic bar steward who off loaded your pigs. Make them very aware that you are telling all and sundry about your experiences.Threaten to sue for trauma and distress this has caused you.
We all work hard to make sure our animals have a dignified respectful, stressless end to their lives and this man has totally ruined this for you.
Boiling mad on your behalf
Mandy
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the enviromental health may be worth a shot to. the sent unfit meat back to you. so it could not have been properly inspected.
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There was an article in the Farmers Guardian (last issue) They are being dealt with for an almost exact carbon copy of what you are dealing with.
Quote: (Farmers Guardian, Friday August 20th 2010)
"Essex slaughter house shuts after investigation."
"The film shot over three days in April, showed scenes of extreme and deliberately-inflicted suffering', acording to Animal Aid, including use of electric tongs on animals, snouts, tails and in their mouths."
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Jeepers - how truly horrific >:(
I found taking my pigs to our abattoir not a great experience but that had nothing to do with the abattoir as such - the staff there couldn't have been more helpful and they treated our pigs with respect, without any hullaballoo. I will be using them again (R J Trevarthan, Penryn).
I got the head and all offcuts, trotters etc back and have to say that everyhting looked fine, no missing bits or bruises.
I'm not surprised you are angry about this treatment - definately do as you are doing and keep us all updated
All the best
Tish
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its totally unacceptable
in the 1st instance along with everyone else you are writting to, write directly to the owner/manager of the slaughterhouse - not that this is of any help to you, it may be they have employed a bad apple and are totally unaware that this 'person' (i use the term in its looses sence!!) has inflicted pain and injury to your pigs!
I have never had any brusing on my pigs when they are returned, that would be unacceptable!!
It also might be worth finding out if they slaughter for any big food chain ie tescos asda sainsburrys and complain to these also. Another point, is who the hell was the vet and why did they not do anything- a complaint should also be raised against this person to whoever oversees the vets!!!
Ask defra how you get the details of vets assigned to slaughterhouses and meat inspecter if different. and take this line aswell, who stamped your meat as fit for human consumption, the meat inspecter also needs a kick if they are turning a blind eye to cruelty
just on a note, our slaughter house is run by kind considerate humaine people - for example i dropped off pigs once and they startled at the sheep, (they had never seen sheep before) the staff who was overseeing the unloading, just shut a gate behind them, and said leave em, they will find the pen the doors open, no need to stress them out!! I have never seen a prodder in use and to be quite fair i would have hit the operative if he dared to treat my animals with such aggression.
This place needs naming and shaming, what about speaking to the press, Hillside animal sanctuary sometimes do undercover work
I would not like to think my animals had ended up there
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i have posted a link on river cottage and downsizer, i think folks should be aware :(
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A long detailed report is ready for Animal Health, photographs of the pigs' heads and all.
Animal Health said that at the small abattoirs (which this one is, family run) there's only a vet for perhaps an hour or so, rather than continuously as in the larger operations.
I also have the impression that this man is part of the family who runs the place. It sure didn't stop him that several members of staff and (by the end) several customers were watching. His face is etched in my memory.
I live about an hour north of London. I'd be happy to travel a few hours with the pigs if people here think that'd be ok for them (perhaps at night?), so any suggestions of an abattoir that has consistently been found to be good are welcome.
Thankyou all for your reactions, it's much appreciated.
Eve
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see if the rspca can recommend a good humane one. home kill is an option but you would have to be prepared for the blood and guts and working out how to de bristle them. if done by a proper slaughterman they should not even be aware of anything. so it is an option.
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I also have the impression that this man is part of the family who runs the place. It sure didn't stop him that several members of staff and (by the end) several customers were watching. His face is etched in my memory.
Eve
what on earth did the other customers say? i think i would have turned my trailer around!!
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I thought that once on the abattoir premises it was illegal to remove the pigs so you couldnt have taken them away, which he was relying on. If he is such a sadistic b....... then he shouldnt be working with animals family or no. I am so sorry you have been put through this. Its great that you are not giving in. HM
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;) your right once there the animals have to be unloaded.
we are very lucky we have 2 slaughter houses close by both small we very often see trading standards there overseeing eveything, they hide nothing if you want to wait untill your pigs get taken through you can, some people do this.
i am sorry you have had such a bad experience it is totally unacceptable.
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Which abattoir was it???
I am in Powys and am planing to send my pigs to the Daysdrove abattoir in Bishop's Castle.
Was it them?
I know you probably can't say much on an open(ish) internet forum because of defamation etc but a simple yes or no would be very helpful.
What a shock :-(
Susanna
The BC abattoir is recently reopened so, at a guess, does not have much of a track record. No idea who's running it. The previous management and attitude was a key reason why we stopped breeding for meat and I am now vegetarian. We now have a happy, for life, fleece flock.
In spite of size and distance the service offered by Hamers at Llanidloes was MUCH better and on a par with those we used to use in E Anglia before moving.
FWIW I believe that, if you must eat pork, that having them shot by a professional as they go happily up the path one day at home is the ONLY humane way for such sentient beings.
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;) your right once there the animals have to be unloaded.
my understanding is that if they have not left the trailer you can turn around, but i may be wrong
once the pigs are off the trailer they can not be reloaded....what a horendous position to be in >:(
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Mochasidamo, I share your feelings: I would like a relaxed walk and a minute with their head down a bucket of bananamash to be their last journey, and that may well be the case next year.
It's been just over a week now and I still can't think straight. I'm not at all a weak person (normally very happy and strong), but this was just too much.
Eve
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Eve, use your anger to your advantage and make as much noise as possible and hopefully someone will listen and make changes. :)
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eve which slaughter house was it?
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God I've just bought a boar to start breeding for meat and this has scared me. How do I go about ensuring the abattoir we will use is humane? So sorry you had this experience Eve keep up the fight and spread the word. What about calling the local paper?
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Helencus, go along to the abattoir and check it out. We did, (with not enough French to explain) ours is a big commercial abattoir and we are very happy with the treatment. We wait until the pigs go through (never more than a couple of minutes). No one on the pig handling side has blood on them, that thought frightens me more than anything. Was the blood from dead pigs or abused ones?
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we visited both our local slaughter houses without any notice stood at the lairage area for a good 20 mins watching pigs being unloaded and walked through to slaughter before we introduced ourselfs and booked any animals in. we have a very highly visable trading standards visits at both sites.
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As usual the powers that be do sweet sod all about these evil bastards that work in slaughter houses.
I think it's about time all producers of animals that are forced to use slaughter houses to get their animals humanly dispatched kicked up a real fuss about the standards at some of these places.
This sort of vicious behavior is unacceptable in todays society and needs to be stopped once and for all.
We have a voice and it's about time someone took some notice.
How do you start a petition and where do you send it to have to best effect??
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If it is illegal or not to load the pigs back on to the trailer I would have demanded that they were put in a pen and rang the police and animal welfare, so that I could have my animals treat fairly. Abbatoirs cannot use this power as an excuse to abuse, I would have shocked him to see how he liked it.
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Surely common sense should prevail here why potentially ruin some ones business because of one member of staffs awful behaviour, Im sorry for you and sympathise but as a person who has done 7 years at my local abbatoir working as the foreman i never had staff behave like this but if i did I think I would have jumped at the chance to heard a complaint and deal with it head on rather than one day the bbc turns up and ROGER COOKE starts firing questions about the menace in the yard. And now people are repling to your thead suggesting we get a petition!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This country is going to the dogs Petitions, protest, marches - they don't work get a grip. PLEASE take a deep breath put your thinking cap on log and record all your thoughts about this abbatoir type it and then copy it take one copy to the abbatoir office ask to see the boss and then cooly place the copy down on the desk tell him your complaint first and then after he's listened or answered simply and calmly tell him this copy is for you theres another at home which will be used as evidence of my experice for the relevant bodies to examine thank you for your time goodbye. If the outcome is that no action is taken forward your copy on to anyone you can to exploit this person but at least you tried and if you take my advice and the result is positive and the individual in question is dealt with then you can hold your head high knowing you have solved a problem amicably and in doing so THUS: The person you have grievience with is dealt with , The abbatoir is dragged through the gutter, The owner keeps his business and finally the other workers who are blameless in this matter can retain employment and carry on paying their mortgages and feed their family.
Please note im not being nasty or unsympathetic before any do gooder slams me just looking at the whole and bigger picture!! I hope it all turns out ok for all parties
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gary, it is clear from eves account that this is a small, (and i now know very small) family run business, it is also clear that other members of staff whitnessed this behaviour and did not step in to prevent excess rough handling of the pigs.
I thank my lucky stars that the staff at my local abbatior are lovely caring people , who do a job most of us could not, and the vast majority of abbotiors are the same.
there is no excuse to scare animals when they enter a slaughterhouse or use a pig prodder, Its staff should have basic pig handling experience!!!
Now i do agree eve should write to the abbotior in question, but as a number of staff stood and watched this baffooon do you think anything will be done.
Also a pig should not be bruised when returned to a customer, i can only guess what happened there!!!
Now i am not wanting to get in to a debate, but we raise our animals with love and care and expect their final journey to be as stress less as in possible.
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Thats the whole point of my rant speak with the abbatoir first if indeed as it may seem likely theres no justice then act through the channels but to just go off on a crusade all sense of reality just disappeared! The buising round the head is a common accurance as the pig once stunned and then bled out is put into a tank of extremely hot water to soften the bristles and then into a giant mechanical spinner where the body is scrapped with fast paddles to remove as many bristles as poss often two pigs will be spun at once resulting in collisions at speed whilst being spun...... This is not a defence for this slaughterhouse just one explaination of what could have caused the markings.
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gary you seem to have it backwards. by treating these animals in such a way it clearly shows that they have major welfare issues, you say you had never witnessed this type of behaviour in 7 years. so what would this lead you to believe they behaved when the animals owners were not there. we must assume that his conduct must be the norm or his fellow workers would have stepped in. this example gives loads of ammo for the veggie set and the animal lib groups.
if we were seen treating our animals in such a way we would not get a letter from the witness. we would be up before the beak and very likely face a stonking fine or even jail. just because he is a slaughterman does not change this he is a criminal simples.
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Im sorry ding dong looney land all get off!!!!!!!!!! I havent said anywhere in my posts (maybe you should read them again) that this man is innocent or his behaviour is acceptable im meerly saying that it is something that as an ex slaughterman I never had this problem and also as a business owner myself now I would like the chance to do something in house to punish this person and put in place something to prevent it happening again theres every chance that the owner is totally unaware that this is happening and unless you follow his every move you cant prove otherwise my posts werent to cause any offence or stir things up just a different angle to the rest of the flock
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were not sheep huggers. if you don't relise that this guys activities are criminal then its probably just as well that your not working in the slaughterhouse. we have a lot of slaughtermen around us and they would be less than pleased to see their livestock treated in this way. you view to have a quite chat with the boss is just permiting this man to hide from his actions. the only way to insure it does not happen again is if they are inspected and subject to sanctions. this is the correct and proper way to deal with animal abuse.
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Gary i have had a lot of pigs slaughtered, and i always have the heads returned, the heads have never been bruised, the blood is gone from the body by the time they reach the dehairer, hence no bruising.
bruising would happen prior to death, before bleeding.
I have advised eve to write to the slaughterhouse in question, but i feel in this instance further action should also be taken.
Animal welfare at any place should be paramount, this inclusdes slaughter houses and livestock marts, last year i almost walled up a fella at our mart for raising his leg to my pig, he didnt make contact cos i shouted, touch that f***** pig and die, to the shock of people in the gangways, and trust me i would have welted him if he had made contact with my pig!!!!
I can not abide creulty in any form, just becouse we raise animals to eat does not mean they are less in stature than animals we keep as pets, they deserve to be treated with repect even at the end!!
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jesus wept man what is your problem is it that im not in total agreeance to do goodderism or you cant handle rational trained thought In previous posts above I have condemend his behaviour and sympathised with the pigs owners I havent said one positive thing about this burke Maybe you should tell me what I should be saying as your obviously superior as im just an ex slaughterman. Why dont you forget replying and just read every post ive made on this subject and maybe just maybe i'll recieve an apology but i shant hold my breath as im guessing by your responses to my post would only make people assume that your judgement is doubtful. You say I think a QUIET chat with the boss is acceptable ? did you stop reading there? I carried on to say that if justice wasnt carried out then go through the correct channels. Thank god theres no war and you are placed with the responsabilty of captain you would have all your men jump the fence. Im sorry ive really tried to be polite but your rather provoking in your response I suppose in your mind i should be put in the stocks for arguing. SHEEPHUGGER thats a good one
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Smiffy as ive said to this other chap there is nowhere in my posts where i justify animal cruelty my main concern as from the start of posts and to the end is if the owner is innocent in all this then why should he suffer and loose his livelyhood because someone cant behave ive stressed the slaughterman ought to be dealt with. anyone would think im a cult leader for the devil. I have my own business now breeding pigs and its something I take great pride in. I love my animals to death but i can see the both sides i suppose because i come from a slaughtering background and in my time there something like this beleive it or not would have been totally alien to me but if it had i could assure you that it would have been dealt with first in house and secondly through the correct channels meaning any innocent parties involved ie staff or owner could remain untarnished whilst the problem in this case a slughterman with a problem is sorted out. Surely that makes sense
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I've avoided posting until now because I'm just so shocked that this kind of behaviour still goes on today >:( It is sickening to think that all the time, care and money invested in our pigs means nothing to this man (or the loss of potential return custom or criminal charges) Yeah, fair enough write to the abbetior, but it's MY understanding that this is a small, family run business and surely it's going to have been obvious to everyone employed there that this is how he behaves all the time (especially if he has the nerve to stand there in front of customers and other staff and behave in this appalling manner) and nothing has been done before - I just don't think a letter of complaint is going to cut it somehow ???
I agree with Gary on one point - a petition's not going to do anything. This company should be publicly named, animal health made aware and the vet who usually oversees things should be having serious questions asked of him.
They guys at my local abbetior couldn't be better (Wishaw abbetior, in case anyone's interested). Older, more experienced handlers who know what they're doing and will let the pig lead the way, reading it's body language and calmly moving it on. They respect the animals and know that it's the better man who can move them quietly and without fuss.
Smiffy, I'm hearing you......................if anyone even thought about lifting a foot to my pigs I'd have 'em too (and I'm a lover, not a fighter ;) ;D) but they'd get to feel my size 8, steelie doc marten boot and see how they liked it lol!
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Gary, clearly this is not the case of one bad apple, or management not being aware - it's a small family run business with their office on the side, other staff didn't intervene, the man who treated our pigs so brutally seems to have a lot to say there and is still working there now. Chances are he is one of the managers.
And with regards to this abattoir's reputation or finances: they should have thought of the consequences sooner, and we all have bills to pay.
So please calm down and stop having a go at us, we're not the ones in the wrong.
To all others: thankyou so much for your all your support and encouragement! Please do keep posting any further ideas or suggestions, and I will keep you up to date as well. As people mentioned earlier, I need to use my anger to take action - I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I didn't.
I keep thinking "if only I had...", but even though I'm also a "touch my pig and die" kind of person and normally very quick to react, it came as such a surprise and I was so shocked that I just wasn't my normal self. Now, of course, I'm furious - how I wish I had grabbed that prodder and used it on that guy himself!
Thankyou so much!
Eve
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Like Happyhippy, I've been following without comment. To be honest the whole thing has disturbed me but now things are going the way of so many sensitive posts on forums.
As always, we don't know the full story, we weren't there and more facts get revealed as the posting progresses.
Personally, I understand what Gary is saying and I also understand the reactions posted.
Reading back to the original post, Eve was perfectly happy with the abbatoir last year, so something must have changed over the year? If it is such a small, tight-knit family affair then what can have changed in the make-up? Where has the 'bad apple' come from and does he really have influence over the other workers? Or have the whole ethics of the place changed?
There are many questions that come out of what has been posted.
I'm sorry, Eve, but you say "clearly this is not the case of one bad apple, or management not being aware - it's a small family run business with their office on the side, other staff didn't intervene, the man who treated our pigs so brutally seems to have a lot to say there and is still working there now. Chances are he is one of the managers."
Haven't you spoken to anyone of authority at the abbatoir?
Whilst I can understand Eve's reaction at the time, the time to go to the owner/head honcho was straight away, or maybe the next day. I have to agree with Gary on this. The most efficient way of dealing with the problem is directly at it's source and whislt you can all argue about it being small and family run and no-one doing anything, we do not know for sure if the owner is aware of what is happening. He/she may be able to put things right. I know that doesn't excuse him from having allowed it to happen, but he may have been able to put a stop to it more quickly for future customers. Personally, I would have made him aware that I was obliged to report the treatment anyway but that I was making him aware of the situation - you can always tell me it's all very well to sit here and say that but, in effect, that's what we are all doing, except Eve.
No amount of "I would have's" are going to make her feel better (I am aware that I've added to that myself).
Meanwhile, the longer dicussions go on, the more pigs are going through the same hands.
I'm sorry, I've said way too much. I find the whole thing appalling.
Eve, nothing I have posted is personal, I'm sorry that you had this experience. Aside from all the personal reactions, there seems to be a lot of useful advice in the postings, I'm sorry that I have been unable to add any. Except perhaps to suggest that it might be worth trying to contact some of the other customers who were there, if you could. I would also suggest you find out more about the abbatoir. If you don't want to have contact with them, look up the business, find out who's who, that sort of thing.
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Thank you Stevemo very refreshing, When i 1st saw this on the forum I was only intending on sending the one post I thought my 1st post was constructive and helpful and in no way offending sitting on the fence may be a way to put it but in a good way. I never once critisised eve or defended the slaughterman in fact my view expressed was just a logical way of seeing justice done rather than make alot of noise and cause more trouble than needed. And to my utter dismay there is one post in particular saying its "probably just as well your not working in the slaughterhouse anymore" its mindless comments like that which throws all sense out the window sometimes I wonder whether some people really care what the subject is or they just see it as another post to take their tally up or they see it as a chance to jump on the band wagon and stand on a soap box.
1, Eve I hope your matter with the abbatoir is resolved
2, In future maybe posts should be read with attention, judged properly and then respond diplomatically( shetlandpaul this is mainly directed for you)
3, I hope that no one else has to go through this both with their animals and also when making a post on here as we are all equal and all entitled to are own opinions. once again thank you for your support and also rationable points stevemo
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:-[ i hope we are not going to see another episode like we did a while back with the grange gary is entitled to his opinions no matter what they are. i hate t see posts that turn personal it takes away the strength of the topic and tuns into a free for all against the odd man/woman out.
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I am only new hear, but I think people need to be mindful taht fredom of speech does not mean you can say anything you like.
There are norms to be met.
Many people limit them selves when they speak in front of Granny, a new customer, a new partner. So there are self imposed limits.
Also, even in the bar at a pub limits are imposed by the individuals within the premises.
So forums also can set limits, simply be standing up and saying something when the limit is reached.
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filmed by animal aid. anti meat group but the film says it all. a number of criminal charges and loss of slaughter certs for life. plus thr shut down of the worst one. two are organic/ soil association aproved
http://www.animalaid.org.uk/h/n/NEWS/news_slaughter//2354// (http://www.animalaid.org.uk/h/n/NEWS/news_slaughter//2354//)
gary i apologise for any digs.
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Apology accepted and if along the way i have upset you i also apologise
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whilst the footage is sickening the groups motives are rather one sided it would have been better had they shown a good slaughter house as comparison, but knowing what they stand for they would be happy if all slaughter houses were closed down and we all became vegi. i personally have no time for such groups their views are very over the top fox hunting, shooting, horse racing etc.etc. i have even had such people pull up and break my mole traps and throw them on the drive ::)
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oh i agree there motive is very veggie/vegan . however there evidence is still valid. the slaughtermen would have been still working if they had not filmed.
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i could not agree more, but a look at a good establishment would have been a better balance.
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again i agree. but they of course would not. they are biased but if we discount that then we are still left with important info.
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Just a thought, but after reading this post and having previously asked for advice on various subjects to sometimes get the 'rant' on the subject perhaps a Rant forum would be a good idea, at least this way if you dip your toe in, you know what you are in for! This is not meant to stir up a hornets nest or anything, we all have differing opinions on all subjects, but when you ask for advice that's what you want, not a graphic description of how one human would like to maim another LOL.
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There are people who will abuse anything and anyone unless someone or something keeps them in check. I enjoy meat but I am very happy that Animal Aid managed to achieve the closure of that place.
According to Defra's Animal Health department, small abattoirs like the one we used may have a vet present for only an hour or so, whilst the larger ones have a vet present all the time (and he left us to fill in the dots).
There have been a few questions raised here, such as why we didn't complain right away – the problem is that it was so unexpected, the shock of it stopped us from thinking straight and reacting like we normally would. Watching a programe on tv where you have some idea of what's coming is not the same as seeing brutality like this right in front of you – especially not when it concerns your own animals!
So why don't we now complain to whoever may be the boss? Well, there are a few reasons apart from those mentioned earlier, to do with names inc the name found when digging up information about this place, and one more thing which I'm a bit nervous of posting on the internet (but please do send a pm if you're wondering what it is - in fact, some of you might be able to advise!).
The first few days after slaughter were very difficult. I spent days constantly thinking of my pigs and unable to focus, I've never driven in the wrong direction so many times! My kind, gentle husband reacted differently: he was absolutely fuming!
It’s still on my mind a lot now, but the rawness of it has gone.
And it has been great to have this forum. Not only for all the moral support, there has also been very useful advice on how to take things forward now that we are over the shock of it all and ready to take action.
So what action are we planning on taking? Well, we’re following the proper routes as suggested, Animal Health etc. We’re also considering other ways of spreading the word to make sure others are prepared for what might happen at abattoirs and know what they can do if things go wrong – this way reducing the power of the bullies. Changing (trying to / helping to) the policy on vets in abattoirs is, as you can guess, also on the agenda.
I started having pigs to ensure that we had meat from animals that had been treated well, and I intend to go on with this. Compassion in World Farming campaigns for good basic conditions for the animals - ours get a hell of a lot more pampering than that! ;D.
I just noticed I put a smiley face in, a good sign that I’m getting back to my old self.
Eve :wave:
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I'm so glad you sound less shocked and more determined Eve. it's terrible what happened but it's happened so now to making positive steps to do what you can. I know I will be doing absolutely everything I can to ensure when the time comes mine go where there is a vet all day. I'd rather drive a bit further. Thank you again for sharing your experience to help the rest of us
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I can't advise on this subject but I would like to say that I am so sorry that you had to go through this Eve. It's good that you are getting back to normal and have a plan.
I can see Garys point of view too. I think that he described what should have happened perfectly. Unfortunately, due to one thing or another, that route cannot be taken and I understand that shock causes many many different actions and again I am sorry for what you went through.
I suspect that if outside organisations get involved in this abbatoir then this knid of attitude/behaviour cannot be masked and the truth will out. Lets hope that the evil bugger gets his just desserts.
Good luck Eve.
Ian
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OOOOOEEEERRRR, Just had an upsetting text from a friend who took her piggies to slaughter this morning, first they would not load and it took her 2 hours, then she had to wait 2 hours while a lorry of 200 came in and took priority over private kill, then her piggies would not get off and it took 4 men some shouting and kicking to get them off, she was very upset, so it looks like yours was not an isolated case Eve. I guess the answer seems to be to get them used to loading and unloading well before you take them, even then they might just refuse to budge and only brute force will move them. Not Good :(
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Oh dear, those poor piggies! Ours had been walking in and out of the trailer throughout the previous day, but if they have to sit in a confined space for 2 hours they can't be expected not to be anxious - and once they're being roughly handled they only become only more upset!
Those poor pigs. Your friend can call or email me if she would like to.
:( :( :(
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FF,
I have compiled (and continue to compile) a good abattior guide,which will be posted every month or so on 3 forums (this one,river cottage & downsizer). This gives comments on abattoir, together with the number of reviewers (no names). Pm me details and I'll add this to the list. By getting lots of comments people can make informed decisions.
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I think its great that we all care so much about the animals' final end. It would be so easy to say oh !"£ it and go buy supermarket meat without any conscience. Yet we battle on at huge emotional and physical costsfor humanely produced meat. Well done us I say!!!!!!!
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Hear hear or is it here here ?? LOL