47-1401 . Humane methods; state policy
47-1402 . Same; definitions
47-1403 . Same; unlawful acts
47-1404 . Same; certain method of slaughter declared inhumane
47-1405 . Same; penalties for violations of act
47-1401. Humane methods; state policy.
It is declared to be the policy of this state to require that the slaughter of all livestock and the handling of livestock, in connection with slaughter, shall be carried out only by humane methods.
History: L. 1961, ch. 256, § 1; Jan. 1, 1962.
As used in this act: (a) "Person" means any individual, partnership, corporation, or association doing business in this state, in whole or in part.
(b) "Slaughterer" means any person regularly engaged in the commercial slaughtering of livestock.
(c) "Livestock" means cattle, calves, sheep, swine, horses, mules, goats, aquatic animals, domesticated deer, all creatures of the ratite family that are not indigenous to this state, including but not limited to ostriches, emus and rheas, and any other animal which can or may be used in and for the preparation of meat or meat products.
(d) "Packer" means any person engaged in the business of slaughtering of livestock.
(e) "Stockyard" means any place, establishment, or facility commonly known as a stockyard, conducted or operated for compensation or profit as a public market, consisting of pens, or other enclosures, and their appurtenances, for the handling, keeping, and holding of livestock for the purpose of sale or shipment.
(f) "Humane method" means either: (a) A method whereby the animal is rendered insensible to pain by mechanical, electrical, chemical, or other means that is rapid and effective, before being shackled, hoisted, thrown, cast, or cut; or (b) a method in accordance with ritual requirements of the Jewish faith or any other religious faith whereby the animal suffers loss of consciousness by anemia of the brain caused by the simultaneous and instantaneous severance of the carotid arteries with a sharp instrument.
(g) "Domesticated deer" means any member of the family cervidae which was legally obtained and is being sold or raised in a confined area for breeding stock; for any carcass, skin or part of such animal; for exhibition; or for companionship.
History: L. 1961, ch. 256, § 2; L. 1992, ch. 102, § 3; L. 1993, ch. 143, § 6; L. 1994, ch. 79, § 6; July 1.
No slaughterer, packer, or stockyard operator shall: (a) Shackle, hoist, or otherwise bring livestock into position for slaughter, by any method which shall cause injury or pain; or (b) bleed or slaughter any livestock except by a humane method. The handling or other preparation of livestock for ritual slaughter shall be exempt from the provisions of this act.
History: L. 1961, ch. 256, § 3; Jan. 1, 1962.
47-1404. Same; certain method of slaughter declared inhumane.
The use of a manually operated hammer, sledge, or poleax is declared to be an inhumane method of slaughter within the meaning of this act.
History: L. 1961, ch. 256, § 4; Jan. 1, 1962.
47-1405. Same; penalties for violations of act.
Any person who violates any provision of this act shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof shall be punished as provided by law.
History: L. 1951, ch. 256, § 5; Jan. 1, 1962.