USC Chapter 48

in effect

7 U.S.C. § 1901 Findings and declaration of policy

The Congress finds that the use of humane methods in the slaughter of livestock prevents needless suffering; results in safer and better working conditions for persons engaged in the slaughtering industry; brings about improvement of products and economies in slaughtering operations; and produces other benefits for producers, processors, and consumers which tend to expedite an orderly flow of livestock and livestock products in interstate and foreign commerce. It is therefore declared to be the policy of the United States that the slaughtering of livestock and the handling of livestock in connection with slaughter shall be carried out only by humane methods.

7 U.S.C. § 1902 Humane methods

No method of slaughtering or handling in connection with slaughtering shall be deemed to comply with the public policy of the United States unless it is humane. Either of the following two methods of slaughtering and handling are hereby found to be humane: (a) in the case of cattle, calves, horses, mules, sheep, swine, and other livestock, all animals are rendered insensible to pain by a single blow or gunshot or an electrical, chemical or other means that is rapid and effective, before being shackled, hoisted, thrown, cast, or cut; or (b) by slaughtering in accordance with the ritual requirements of the Jewish faith or any other religious faith that prescribes a method of slaughter whereby the animal suffers loss of consciousness by anemia of the brain caused by the simultaneous and instantaneous severance of the carotid arteries with a sharp instrument and handling in connection with such slaughtering.

7 U.S.C. § 1904 Methods research; designation of methods

In furtherance of the policy expressed herein the Secretary is authorized and directed— (a) to conduct, assist, and foster research, investigation, and experimentation to develop and determine methods of slaughter and the handling of livestock in connection with slaughter which are practicable with reference to the speed and scope of slaughtering operations and humane with reference to other existing methods and then current scientific knowledge; and (b) on or before March 1, 1959, and at such times thereafter as he deems advisable, to designate methods of slaughter and of handling in connection with slaughter which, with respect to each species of livestock, conform to the policy stated in this chapter. If he deems it more effective, the Secretary may make any such designation by designating methods which are not in conformity with such policy. Designations by the Secretary subsequent to March 1, 1959, shall become effective 180 days after their publication in the Federal Register.

7 U.S.C. § 1906 Exemption of ritual slaughter

Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prohibit, abridge, or in any way hinder the religious freedom of any person or group. Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, in order to protect freedom of religion, ritual slaughter and the handling or other preparation of livestock for ritual slaughter are exempted from the terms of this chapter. For the purposes of this section the term “ritual slaughter” means slaughter in accordance with section 1902(b) of this title.

7 U.S.C. § 1907 Practices involving nonambulatory livestock

(a) ReportThe Secretary of Agriculture shall investigate and submit to Congress a report on—(1) the scope of nonambulatory livestock; (2) the causes that render livestock nonambulatory; (3) the humane treatment of nonambulatory livestock; and (4) the extent to which nonambulatory livestock may present handling and disposition problems for stockyards, market agencies, and dealers. (b) AuthorityBased on the findings of the report, if the Secretary determines it necessary, the Secretary shall promulgate regulations to provide for the humane treatment, handling, and disposition of nonambulatory livestock by stockyards, market agencies, and dealers. (c) Administration and enforcementFor the purpose of administering and enforcing any regulations promulgated under subsection (b), the authorities provided under sections 10414 [7 U.S.C. 8313] and 10415 [7 U.S.C. 8314] shall apply to the regulations in a similar manner as those sections apply to the Animal Health Protection Act [7 U.S.C. 8301 et seq.]. Any person that violates regulations promulgated under subsection (b) shall be subject to penalties provided in section 10414.