Mass cull is humane killing - RSPCA

The RSPCA says sheep are being slaughtered humanely in the mass cull in Cumbria.

The methods used by state and Army vets ensure all animals slaughtered to curb the foot-and-mouth disease die painlessly, RSPCA Superintendent Bill Cottingham says.

Two RSPCA inspectors were granted access by the Ministry of Agriculture to the slaughter site at Great Orton where they observed the cull of more than 6,000 sheep and lambs.

Mr Cottingham said: "The welfare considerations are being adhered to and considering the very hard job they are doing, it is going as well as can be expected.

"Animal welfare is not being compromised by speed and they are complying to normal slaughter requirements."

Concerns had been raised by the charity that animals may be dying in pain or even buried alive.

Yesterday, following two days of pressure from the charity, MAFF and the Ministry of Defence said they would allow the inspectors access to see the slaughter methods for themselves.

Although relieved to see the animals were suffering no pain, Mr Cottingham said it was upsetting to see so many killed: "We do go to slaughter houses but that is a different matter as they are being killed for an end product, not just to be buried.

"It's very sad, especially the lambs. But the people here are doing an excellent job under very trying circumstances. I haven't spoken to a single person here who isn't feeling it a bit."

Mr Cottingham said he hoped his findings would allay public fears. RSPCA officers will visit the site every day while the cull continues and a rota of staff is currently being drawn up, Mr Cottingham said.