I sat on this for a while and wasn't going to comment, but because I can't keep my mouth shut, I thought I'd chime in.
I think, no matter what a persons beliefs, if you choose to eat meat that you kill yourself, or raise an animal that will be sent to slaughter, there is an obligation for humane treatment. That said, I have never killed an animal, though it's on my list of self-sustainability things I will be doing with chickens.
I must say that it is my opinion part of a humane killing is the expression of love or care when doing so. "What makes us human" on this level is the understanding that the chicken or cow is not being picked off by a pack of animals, suffocating to death by having its throat crushed and, in some cases, being eaten alive from the other end. My opinion on shocking or stunning an animal first leans towards it not being my style. I think it's impersonal, which is something that the deed should definitely not be. There is a circle of life that is being maintained when you raise and butcher your own. I think the risk of that animal coming to, or not going all the way unconcious is too great.
I think if the animal is respected and comforted, the pain minimized, and the instruments sharp, the more personal way of slitting or cutting might be as noble a death as the animal kingdom allows.
I think, no matter what a persons beliefs, if you choose to eat meat that you kill yourself, or raise an animal that will be sent to slaughter, there is an obligation for humane treatment. That said, I have never killed an animal, though it's on my list of self-sustainability things I will be doing with chickens.
I must say that it is my opinion part of a humane killing is the expression of love or care when doing so. "What makes us human" on this level is the understanding that the chicken or cow is not being picked off by a pack of animals, suffocating to death by having its throat crushed and, in some cases, being eaten alive from the other end. My opinion on shocking or stunning an animal first leans towards it not being my style. I think it's impersonal, which is something that the deed should definitely not be. There is a circle of life that is being maintained when you raise and butcher your own. I think the risk of that animal coming to, or not going all the way unconcious is too great.
I think if the animal is respected and comforted, the pain minimized, and the instruments sharp, the more personal way of slitting or cutting might be as noble a death as the animal kingdom allows.