Opposition to the Humane Slaughter Bill by New Jersey Jewish organizations was expressed yesterday in the Assembly Chamber in Trenton at a public hearing conducted by the Committee on Agriculture. The hearing was called after the measure was sent back to committee earlier this year.
Spokesmen for the organizations noted that Jewish tradition and practice have required humane treatment of animals since ancient times and that the act of Jewish ritual slaughter has been recognized as humane in the proposed Assembly bill. They nevertheless recommended that no legislation be adopted at this time, pending completion of scientific studies now in process to determine the most humane method of handling animals prior to slaughter.
All of the Jewish spokesmen urged delay in passing any legislative measures until scientific facts are available as to which methods of handling are humane. They called attention to a two-year study by independent scientific research agencies recently launched to ascertain the most humane practical methods of preparing animals for Jewish ritual slaughter and to develop the equipment and process necessary for such purposes. This study is being sponsored by the Joint Advisory Committee of the Synagogue Council of America and the National Community Relations Advisory Council. There are six local member organizations of the NCRAC in New Jersey.
The plan for the two-year research study was prepared in consultation with colleges, universities and engineering firms, as well as with veterinarians and other animal experts. Testifying on behalf of 24 local Jewish organizations, Norman Heine, of Camden, said: “We are confident that American scientific knowledge, mechanical skill and ingenuity can devise methods of preparing animals for slaughter that are practicable and mechanically feasible and at the same time humane.”
The hearings were completed with the testimony yesterday. The Assembly committee is expected to prepare a report on the hearings for action by the Legislature which remains technically in session until January. No action was expected on the humane slaughter bill before the fall, however.
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