[Code of Federal Regulations]

[Title 9, Volume 2]

[Revised as of January 1, 2007]

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

[CITE: 9CFR313.15]



[Page 147-149]

 

                  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. 313.15  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.

    (2) The driving of the animals to the stunning area shall be done 

with a minimum of excitement and discomfort to



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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 and prohibitions. (i) 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.

    (ii) Captive bolt stunners that deliberately inject compressed air 

into the



[[Page 149]]



cranium at the end of the penetration cycle shall not be used to stun 

cattle.



[44 FR 68813, Nov. 30, 1979, as amended at 69 FR 1891, Jan. 12, 2004]