[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 9, Volume 2]
[Revised as of January 1, 2005]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 9CFR313.16]

[Page 149]
 
                  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. 313.16  Mechanical; gunshot.

    The slaughtering of cattle, calves, sheep, swine, goats, horses, 
mules, and other equines by shooting with firearms 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) Utilization of firearms, required effect; handling. (1) The 
firearms shall be employed in the delivery of a bullet or projectile 
into the animal in accordance with this section so as to produce 
immediate unconsciousness in the animal by a single shot before it is 
shackled, hoisted, thrown, cast, or cut. The animal shall be shot in 
such a manner that they will be rendered unconscious with a minimum of 
excitement and discomfort.
    (2) The driving of the animals to the shooting areas shall be done 
with a minimum of excitement and discomfort to the animals. Delivery of 
calm animals to the shooting area is essential since accurate placement 
of the bullet is difficult in case of nervous or injured animals. Among 
other things, this requires that, in driving animals to the shooting 
areas, electrical equipment be used as little as possible and with the 
lowest effective voltage.
    (3) Immediately after the firearm is discharged and the projectile 
is delivered, the animal shall be in a state of complete unconsciousness 
and remain in this condition throughout shackling, sticking and 
bleeding.
    (b) Facilities and procedure--(1) General requirements for shooting 
facilities; operator. (i) On discharge, acceptable firearms dispatch 
free projectiles or bullets of varying sizes and diameters through the 
skull and into the brain. Unconsciousness is produced immediately by a 
combination of physical brain destruction and changes in intracranial 
pressure. Caliber of firearms shall be such that when properly aimed and 
discharged, the projectile produces immediate unconsciousness.
    (ii) To assure uniform unconsciousness of the animal with every 
discharge where small-bore firearms are employed, it is necessary to use 
one of the following type projectiles: Hollow pointed bullets; frangible 
iron plastic composition bullets; or powdered iron missiles. When 
powdered iron missiles are used, the firearms shall be in close 
proximity with the skull of the animal when fired. Firearms must be 
maintained in good repair. For purposes of protecting employees, 
inspectors and others, it is desirable that all firearms be equipped 
with safety devices to prevent injuries from accidental discharge. 
Aiming and discharging of firearms should be directed away from 
operating areas.
    (iii) The provisions contained in Sec. 313.15(b)(1)(iii) with 
respect to the stunning area also apply to the shooting area.
    (iv) The shooting operation is an exacting procedure and requires a 
well-trained and experienced operator. He must be able to accurately 
direct the projectile to produce immediate unconsciousness. He must use 
the correct caliber firearm, powder charge and type of ammunition to 
produce the desired results.
    (2) Special requirements. Choice of firearms and ammunition with 
respect to caliber and choice of powder charge required to produce 
immediate unconsciousness of the animal may vary depending on age and 
sex of the animal. In the case of bulls, rams, and boars, small bore 
firearms may be used provided they are able to produce immediate 
unconsciousness of the animals. Small bore firearms are usually 
effective for stunning other cattle, sheep, swine, and goats, and 
calves, horses, and mules.