[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: 9CFR313.16]



[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.