Oversight And Regulation Of Animal Handling
In federally inspected facilities, humane handling is overseen by the federal government by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). Federal Humane Slaughter Act regulations are enforced by FSIS and specify the proper treatment and humane handling of livestock. The law’s provisions are numerous and include the following requirements:
- Livestock need to be handled calmly with minimal excitement.
- Livestock should never be dragged.
- Objects that cause unnecessary pain not be used to drive livestock.
- Water be provided in holding pens at all times.
- Feed be provided if an animal is at a plant more than 24 hours.
- Livestock be rendered completely unconscious prior to slaughter.
For more information on human handling and slaughter of livestock, see USDA FSIS Humane Handling Resources.
