Abstract: There is described a new and improved method of treating raw animal hides and skins prior to tanning, wherein the hides and skins are initially washed, trimmed, fleshed and demanured, including the steps of dipping the hides and skins in a dilute antiseptic solution for a predetermined amount of time, removing excess moisture from the hides and skins following dipping, and irradiating the hides and skins with substantially monodirectional electron beams to expose each hide and skin to a dose adjustable within the range of 0.75 to 4.0 Mrads at a dose rate adjustable within the range of 10.sup.5 to 10.sup.7 rads/sec.