slaughter of animals within the country. Throughout the years there has been a proliferation of animals being slaughtered in the bush, which includes back yards, barns; in fact anywhere other than within a licensed premises. This is a direct contravention of the Public Health (Slaughter of Animals) Regulations which state that no meat from any animal killed locally shall be sold for human consumption unless the animal has been killed in a licensed slaughter house and the meat stamped by the meat inspector. This does not preclude a person raising pigs, goats or cows and then killing them to provide food for his family and friends as long as the meat is not sold. The law stipulates that for there to be a contravention the meat must be sold. It should be noted here that chickens are exempt from these Regulations.

To date, there is only one licensed slaughter house on the Island which unfortunately is located in the most western parish.

Persons slaughtering animals within the slaughter house are licensed by the meat inspector and the animals killed in a humane manner. Last year there were 40 cows killed, thirty calves, 129 pigs and two goats.

This regulation stating that animals that are killed to be sold must be done in a slaughter house is to safeguard the health of the consumer as these animals can carry numerous diseases. The meat inspector does a detailed inspection looking for evidence of diseased animals and then condemns the meat if deemed unfit for human consumption.

The Health Department urges the general public to notify them at 236-0224 if they suspect illegal slaughtering is taking place. Persons found guilty of such illegal practices will be fined in the first instance but in the case of a second or subsequent conviction may be liable to imprisonment for three months. Mervyn Douglas.