Zephyr Rabbit Stungun

New device increases stunning effectiveness

Since December 2005, nineteen provincially licensed abattoirs have been using a new device to stun rabbits and smaller bird species.

The Zephyr Rabbit Stungun, which uses a compressed-air driven, non-penetrating captive bolt, stuns rabbits humanely and maintains the quality of the finished product. It allows plant staff to stun animals with great accuracy, effectiveness and with less operator fatigue.

Research has shown this device is more than 99 per cent effective when used correctly. The Zephyr gun can be used with rabbits of all weights and sizes, and it also works well on small exotic species such as pigeons and quail.

The prototype, built by the University of Guelph, was developed jointly by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) and a concerned animal welfare association. Product development and field testing was conducted with the assistance and cooperation of Abate Packers in Arthur.

Stunguns have been distributed to other provinces and U.S. states by the Canadian Farm Animal Care Trust (CanFACT).

On average 180,000 rabbits are slaughtered in approximately 19 provincially licensed abattoirs each year.

For additional information or to purchase a Zephyr Rabbit Stungun, operators can contact Bill Morton, Department of Physics at the University of Guelph, 519 824-4120, ext 52653 or email bmorton@physics.uoguelph.ca.