[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 9, Volume 2]
[Revised as of January 1, 2008]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 9CFR313.2]

[Page 146-147]
 
                  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 and injury. Any use of such implements which, in the opinion 
of the inspector, is excessive, is prohibited. Electrical prods attached 
to AC house

[[Page 147]]

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.