[Code of Federal Regulations]

[Title 9, Volume 2]

[Revised as of January 1, 2006]

From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access

[CITE: 9CFR313.2]



[Page 145-146]

 

                  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. 313.2  Handling of livestock.



    (a) Driving of livestock from the unloading ramps to the holding 

pens and from the holding pens to the stunning area shall be done with a 

minimum of excitement and discomfort to the animals. Livestock shall not 

be forced to move faster than a normal walking speed.

    (b) Electric prods, canvas slappers, or other implements employed to 

drive animals shall be used as little as possible in order to minimize 

excitement



[[Page 146]]



and injury. Any use of such implements which, in the opinion of the 

inspector, is excessive, is prohibited. Electrical prods attached to AC 

house current shall be reduced by a transformer to the lowest effective 

voltage not to exceed 50 volts AC.

    (c) Pipes, sharp or pointed objects, and other items which, in the 

opinion of the inspector, would cause injury or unnecessary pain to the 

animal shall not be used to drive livestock.

    (d) Disabled livestock and other animals unable to move.

    (1) Disabled animals and other animals unable to move shall be 

separated from normal ambulatory animals and placed in the covered pen 

provided for in Sec. 313.1(c).

    (2) The dragging of disabled animals and other animals unable to 

move, while conscious, is prohibited. Stunned animals may, however, be 

dragged.

    (3) Disabled animals and other animals unable to move may be moved, 

while conscious, on equipment suitable for such purposes; e.g., stone 

boats.

    (e) Animals shall have access to water in all holding pens and, if 

held longer than 24 hours, access to feed. There shall be sufficient 

room in the holding pen for animals held overnight to lie down.

    (f) Stunning methods approved in Sec. 313.30 shall be effectively 

applied to animals prior to their being shackled, hoisted, thrown, cast, 

or cut.