It is a central point in the Animal Welfare Act that the animal must be anesthetized before killing. Now an experienced sheep farmer from Vestland has been charged with several offences. Among other things, he is said to have used an “axe or similar” as an anesthetic in connection with the killing of sheep. The police believe the method was apt to increase the risk that the animals were witnesses during the cutting of jugular veins and bloodletting. – This is a very serious matter, because animals have been exposed to suffering and risk of suffering, says police attorney Inger Helen Stenevik in the West police district. For 18 years, according to the indictment, the farmer has used this method in connection with killing sheep. According to the prosecution, he also sent sheep to slaughter in the usual way. But in addition, he must have killed sheep for his own use. The man’s lawyer, Ivar Blikra, wrote to news that he has no comment on the case at the present time. Police prosecutor Inger Helen Stenevik says the sheep farmer has systematically used the wrong anesthetic method. Photo: Bård Siem / news – Only in case of emergency The Animal Welfare Act is clear that the animal must be unconscious before the killing begins and until death occurs. Animalia is a Norwegian professional and development environment within meat and egg production. They write that it is recommended to use a bolt gun with ammunition for larger lambs/sheep and adult animals. Percussive weapons such as axes can only be used in exceptional cases: “In an emergency where there is no alternative, stunning with a strong blow to the head with a long-handled, heavy object with a point of impact from behind can also be used on animals over 5 kg”. The guidelines are different for the killing of sheep that are under and over five kilograms (illustrative picture). Photo: Scanpix On smaller animals, under five kilos, on the other hand, the back of the ax head can be used. “Ordinary (penetrating) bolt guns should not be used for nursing animals. They have a soft skull so that you don’t necessarily achieve a concussion and effective anesthesia, even if the bolt penetrates the brain.” The police believe that over time the sheep farmer systematically used a crazy method – that is, blows from an ax – on large animals. – The problem is that it gives you an increased risk of not getting an instant, effective anesthetic – compared to, for example, a bolt gun – because you don’t hit well and powerfully enough, says Stenevik. This is an example of a bolt gun that is used to stun, for example, sheep before they are euthanized. – Several breaches of the law In addition to the killing method itself, other breaches of the law are also alleged in the indictment. In April, the farmer failed to look after and help a tall sheep, even though he was notified of the animal’s condition. He also failed to arrange for the killing of the animal, which was in a particularly bad condition. He also did not contact a veterinarian or protect the sheep against attacks from other animals. He failed to provide for the protection of the game lamb whose mother was unable to look after it. He also didn’t make sure they got enough raw milk. Lack of supervision of tall animals meant that supervision was only carried out once or twice a day. This in turn led to lambs getting stuck in the fence. Several of the sheep lacked ear markings or were incorrectly marked. Furthermore, the animal husbandry record was non-existent or particularly deficient. The case started when a person discovered a helpless sheep and contacted a vet. Next, the Norwegian Food Safety Authority and the police were notified. A claim can now be made that the farmer receives a so-called activity ban. This means that he will not be allowed to keep sheep in the future. The prosecution will make a final decision on this during the main negotiations that start in February.
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Sheep farmer indicted – allegedly used an ax as an anesthetic – news Vestland
