CRIMES WITHOUT CONSEQUENCES - gpvec

11. 1 Federal Law
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Crimes Without ConsequenCes
Finding #1:
The federal humane slaughter law and its regulations fail to provide protection
to the majority of animals slaughtered for food in the United States. The law has
not been applied to birds (chickens, turkeys, etc.) and rabbits, and while humane
handling is required for the ante-mortem treatment and slaughter of exotic animals
(reindeer, elk, deer, antelope, water buffalo and bison), government inspection of
the slaughter of these animals is only voluntary. While the USDA has indicated that
it expects custom exempt establishments to meet humane handling and slaughter
standards, current regulations do not require compliance.
Recommendation:
The law and/or its regulations should be amended to cover all animals slaughtered
for food under federal jurisdiction. The USDA and state departments of agriculture
should pursue federal or state inspection of mobile slaughtering companies to
encourage on-farm slaughter and thereby eliminate the stress of loading and
unloading and transport on the animals.
Finding #2:
Ritual slaughter is provided an exemption from the requirement of the federal
humane slaughter law that animals be stunned prior to cutting. In addition, animals
undergoing ritual slaughter may be shackled and hoisted while conscious.
Recommendation:
The ritual exemption should be modified to require upright restraint of animals
prior to cutting. Handling in the restraint devices should be monitored and required
to meet the same criteria as standard stun boxes and restrainers. The organizations
responsible for certifying ritual slaughter should provide appropriate training
and evaluation of the slaughter process to assure that it is performed swiftly and
efficiently, without animal suffering.
Finding #3:
Current regulations under the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act are inadequate to
prevent a number of reoccurring instances of inhumane handling and slaughter at
U.S. slaughter plants.
Recommendation:
Federal regulations should be amended to address common humane handling
deficiencies, including a) prohibiting the slaughter of all non-ambulatory animals, b)
setting a maximum time animals may remain on vehicles before being unloaded and
c) setting minimum space allowances for all vehicles and holding areas.
Federal regulations should be amended to address common humane slaughter
violations, including a) prohibiting the use of a sledgehammer or ax to mechanically
stun animals, b) requiring a second stunner when plants are operating at high line
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