The Slaughterhouse“Although he was harshly treated, he submitted and did not open his mouth; like a lamb led to the slaughter, or like a sheep before the shearers, he remained silent and opened his mouth” Isaiah 53:7 Walking along the dirt road that led down to the slaughterhouse, I felt strong emotions. My stomach tightened at the thought of the blood I might encounter while processing the lambs. I figured that to get a valid opinion on the subject, I had to witness the entire process, no matter how unpleasant. When I entered the slaughterhouse I was greeted by Tim, a young graduate student who would assist the professor throughout the process. I was told to step into a tray on the floor filled with disinfectant to prevent entry of unwanted germs that were hiding under my shoes. I put on a long yellow apron and put a hairnet and a protective helmet on my head. A small class of animal science graduates entered who would witness the slaughter. The professor and Tim prepared for the trial by thoroughly washing and disinfecting all their tools, sharpening their knives, and placing hooks on an overhead rail that held the sheep. carcass turned upside down. I went out and saw the four sheep that were to be killed. They were huddled together as if they knew what was going to happen and were saying goodbye. Tim reassured me that they were just afraid of being in a strange, confined space. I stood aside while Tim led the first sheep in. The sheep struggled little and made no sound. Tim grabbed his head tightly as the professor placed a bolt pistol on the top of his skull. The bolt pistol operated similarly to a revolver.