slaughterhouse owner accused of cruelty.

Environment Minister the Hon. Ann Cartwright DeCouto has dropped an appeal against the Magistrates' Court ruling.

It follows slaughterhouse owner Mr. Richard Bascome's decision to change his method of killing pigs.

Last year Mr. Bascome was charged with cruelty to animals after the Government veterinarian saw a young pig killed without stunning.

Dr. Neil Burnie told how the pig had walked around in a circle, squealing and bleeding from a cut neck before collapsing.

Other witnesses, however, said this was the normal way of slaughtering pigs even though the law requires animals to be stunned beforehand.

Acting Magistrate Mr. Archie Warner cleared Bascome, owner of the Island's only licensed slaughterhouse, of cruelty to animals.

In his written judgment, he said he was not satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that unnecessary suffering was permitted or caused.

He also pointed out the Health Department, which regulates slaughterhouses, had not objected to Mr. Bascome's killing method.

Dr. James Burnett-Herkes, permanent secretary to the Environment Ministry, confirmed the decision not to continue appealing.

He said an appeal hearing would have placed an unfair burden, both financially and time wise, on Mr. Bascome.

Mr. Bascome had also changed his slaughtering method, and now used a stun gun.

Said Dr. Burnett-Herkes: "We firmly consider the court decision was wrong, but we don't believe it set any kind of precedent.

"We are happy with the outcome, and see no reason to pursue an appeal.''