[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 9, Volume 2]
[Revised as of January 1, 2003]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 9CFR313.15]

[Page 140-141]
 
                  TITLE 9--ANIMALS AND ANIMAL PRODUCTS
 
     CHAPTER III--FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF 
                               AGRICULTURE
 
PART 313--HUMANE SLAUGHTER OF LIVESTOCK--Table of Contents
 
Sec. 313.15  Mechanical; captive bolt.

    The slaughtering of sheep, swine, goats, calves, cattle, horses, 
mules, and other equines by using captive bolt stunners and the handling 
in connection therewith, in compliance with the provisions contained in 
this section, are hereby designated and approved as humane methods of 
slaughtering and handling of such animals under the Act.
    (a) Application of stunners, required effect; handling. (1) The 
captive bolt stunners shall be applied to the livestock in accordance 
with this section so as to produce immediate unconsciousness in the 
animals before they are shackled, hoisted, thrown, cast, or cut. The 
animals shall be stunned in such a manner that they will be rendered 
unconscious with a minimum of excitement and discomfort.

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    (2) The driving of the animals to the stunning area shall be done 
with a minimum of excitement and discomfort to the animals. Delivery of 
calm animals to the stunning areas is essential since accurate placement 
of stunning equipment is difficult on nervous or injured animals. Among 
other things, this requires that, in driving animals to the stunning 
areas, electrical equipment be used as little as possible and with the 
lowest effective voltage.
    (3) Immediately after the stunning blow is delivered the animals 
shall be in a state of complete unconsciousness and remain in this 
condition throughout shackling, sticking and bleeding.
    (b) Facilities and procedures--(1) General requirements for stunning 
facilities; operator. (i) Acceptable captive bolt stunning instruments 
may be either skull penetrating or nonpenetrating. The latter type is 
also described as a concussion or mushroom type stunner. Penetrating 
instruments on detonation deliver bolts of varying diameters and lengths 
through the skull and into the brain. Unconsciousness is produced 
immediately by physical brain destruction and a combination of changes 
in intracranial pressure and acceleration concussion. Nonpenetrating or 
mushroom stunners on detonation deliver a bolt with a flattened circular 
head against the external surface of the animal's head over the brain. 
Diameter of the striking surface of the stunner may vary as conditions 
require. Unconsciousness is produced immediately by a combination of 
acceleration concussion and changes in intracranial pressures. A 
combination instrument utilizing both penetrating and nonpenetrating 
principles is acceptable. Energizing of instruments may be accomplished 
by detonation of measured charges of gunpowder or accurately controlled 
compressed air. Captive bolts shall be of such size and design that, 
when properly positioned and activated, immediate unconsciousness is 
produced.
    (ii) To assure uniform unconsciousness with every blow, compressed 
air devices must be equipped to deliver the necessary constant air 
pressure and must have accurate, constantly operating air pressure 
gauges. Gauges must be easily read and conveniently located for use by 
the stunning operator and the inspector. For purposes of protecting 
employees, inspectors, and others, it is desirable that any stunning 
device be equipped with safety features to prevent injuries from 
accidental discharge. Stunning instruments must be maintained in good 
repair.
    (iii) The stunning area shall be so designed and constructed as to 
limit the free movements of animals sufficiently to allow the operator 
to locate the stunning blow with a high degree of accuracy. All chutes, 
alleys, gates and restraining mechanisms between and including holding 
pens and stunning areas shall be free from pain-producing features such 
as exposed bolt ends, loose boards, splintered or broken planking, and 
protruding sharp metal of any kind. There shall be no unnecessary holes 
or other openings where feet or legs of animals may be injured. Overhead 
drop gates shall be suitably covered on the bottom edge to prevent 
injury on contact with animals. Roughened or cleated cement shall be 
used as flooring in chutes leading to stunning areas to reduce falls of 
animals. Chutes, alleys, and stunning areas shall be so designed that 
they will comfortably accommodate the kinds of animals to be stunned.
    (iv) The stunning operation is an exacting procedure and requires a 
well-trained and experienced operator. He must be able to accurately 
place the stunning instrument to produce immediate unconsciousness. He 
must use the correct detonating charge with regard to kind, breed, size, 
age, and sex of the animal to produce the desired results.
    (2) Special requirements. Choice of instrument and force required to 
produce immediate unconsciousness varies, depending on kind, breed, 
size, age, and sex of the animal. Young swine, lambs, and calves usually 
require less stunning force than mature animals of the same kind. Bulls, 
rams, and boars usually require skull penetration to produce immediate 
unconsciousness. Charges suitable for smaller kinds of livestock such as 
swine or for young animals are not acceptably interchanged for use on 
larger kinds or older livestock, respectively.

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