CRIMES WITHOUT CONSEQUENCES - gpvec

history of u.s. humane slaughter initiatives
The USDA-FSIS announces implementation of a new electronic
tracking system, Humane Activities Tracking (HAT), to document
inspection activities that monitor compliance with humane handling
and slaughter regulations at federally inspected plants. 59
In its FY2005 appropriations act, Congress directs that no less than 63
full-time equivalents (FTEs) be devoted to humane enforcement, and
approves an appropriation of $3 million to incorporate the agency’s
HAT system into its field computer systems. 60 Use of the term “FTE”
in both FY2003 and FY2005 permits the USDA to distribute humane
slaughter law enforcement among existing staff, rather than hire new
staff with the sole responsibility of enforcing humane handling and
slaughter requirements.
2005 The World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) approves
international guidelines for the welfare of food animals during preslaughter
and slaughter processes. 61
Congress provides $4 million for the FSIS to complete incorporation
of the HAT system into all U.S. slaughter plants. In addition, the
Senate committee report of FY2006 appropriations bill states that its
appropriation provides funding to maintain the 63 FTEs added by
FY2005 spending bill. 62
During annual appropriations process, the Senate approves ban on the
slaughter of non-ambulatory animals, including sheep, pigs, goats,
horses, mules and other equine, for human consumption. House fails
to back ban, and measure is dropped from final law by congressional
conference committee. 63
A lawsuit is filed against the USDA on behalf of HSUS and specified
individuals challenging the USDA’s decision to exclude birds from
coverage under the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act. 64
59 USDA-FSIS, FSIS unveils new Humane Activities Tracking System (news release), February 2, 2004. (http://
fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/2004_News_Releases/index.asp)
60 P.L. 108-447.
61 World Organization for Animal Health, Guidelines for the slaughter of animals, Terrestrial Animal Health
Code, Appendix 3.7.5, 2006.
62 P.L. 109-97. See also also Becker G, Meat and poultry inspection: background and selected issues,
Congressional Research Service, December 12, 2005.
63 Becker G, Meat and poultry inspection: background and selected issues, Congressional Research Service,
December 12, 2005.
64 Humane Society of the United States, The HSUS files lawsuit challenging USDA’s exclusion of birds from
the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act (news release), November 21, 2005. (http://www.hsus.org/press_and_
publications/press_releases/the_hsus_files_lawsuit_Challenging _USDAs _Exclusion.html)
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