News/Press releases
Pseudo-science condemned by Shechita UK
New Scientist article on Massey University study of simulated slaughter slated for slanted review of skewed research
The article in an October 2009 edition of the New Scientist refers to New Zealand scientist Craig Johnson’s recent research published by Massey University in April 2009. Initial indications show the experimentation to be imprecise, using a surrogate measure (electrical brain activity) that is non-specific and the changes in which could have been accounted for by several unconnected factors. More significantly, the authors of the study who include Johnson and a Troy Gibson, argue a political line which surpasses any scientific data collected. As Gibson is quoted as saying "of course, I do have my own personal beliefs" he demonstrates how unscientific has been their approach to the whole project.
Shechita UK rejects the findings of the study and has serious reservations about the quality, coherence and significance of what is clearly agenda-science, based on made-to-measure experiments informed by cultural bias. We also have strong reservations about the study design and its purpose, as relevant to either the Shechita process or the true experience of animals subjected to pre-stunning procedures.
There is ample published scientific evidence to show that Shechita, the Jewish religious humane method of slaughter for food-animals, is not a painful method. Furthermore, there is no conclusive evidence to show that it is painful. The Shechita process ensures the rapid uninterrupted severance of major vessels which produces an instant drop in blood pressure in the brain. This immediate loss of pressure results in the irreversible cessation of consciousness and sensibility to pain within two seconds. As Shechita incorporates an effective and irreversible stun, followed by immediate death, it is a humane method.
Shechita UK will be investigating the whole basis to the funding of this project, and will thoroughly check the legitimacy of its claims and presumptions before presenting DEFRA with a proper fact-based appraisal during 2010.