Full Statute Name:  Maine Revised Statutes Annotated. Title 22. Health and Welfare. Subtitle 2. Health. Part 5. Foods and Drugs. Chapter 562-A. Preparation of Livestock and Poultry Products for Human Consumption. Subchapter IV. Slaughter.

Share |
Primary Citation:  22 M. R. S. A. § 2521 to 2521-C Country of Origin:  United States Last Checked:  November, 2023 Alternate Citation:  ME ST T. 22 § 2521 to 2521C Date Adopted:  1999 Historical: 
Summary: The Maine humane slaughter provisions begin with a statement of policy that a method of slaughtering or handling in connection with slaughtering does not comply with the public policy of the State unless it is humane. A humane method is defined as one which renders animals insensible to pain by a single blow or gunshot or an electrical, chemical or other means that is rapid and effective before they are shackled, hoisted, thrown, cast or cut. Additionally, slaughtering and handling in accordance with the ritual requirements of a religious faith that prescribes a method of slaughter whereby the animal suffers loss of consciousness by anemia of the brain is allowed. The section applies only to "livestock" and does not list a penalty for noncompliance (although the associated regulations may define both).

§ 2521 . Humane methods of slaughter

§ 2521-A . Methods research; designation of methods

§ 2521-B . Inspection for use of humane slaughtering methods

§ 2521-C . Exemption of ritual slaughter

 


 

§ 2521. Humane methods of slaughter

A method of slaughtering or handling in connection with slaughtering does not comply with the public policy of the State unless it is humane. Either of the following 2 methods of slaughtering and handling are humane:

1. Humane slaughter. In the case of livestock, rendering animals insensible to pain by a single blow or gunshot or an electrical, chemical or other means that is rapid and effective before they are shackled, hoisted, thrown, cast or cut; or

2. Ritual slaughter. Slaughtering and handling in accordance with the ritual requirements of a religious faith that prescribes a method of slaughter 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.

CREDIT(S)

1999, c. 777, § 1.

 

§ 2521-A. Methods research; designation of methods

The commissioner may:

1. Research. Conduct, assist and foster research, investigation and experimentation to develop and determine methods of slaughter and handling of livestock in connection with slaughter that are practicable with reference to the speed and scope of slaughtering operations and humane with reference to other existing methods and current scientific knowledge; and

2. Conform to chapter. Designate methods of slaughter and handling in connection with slaughter that, with respect to each species of livestock, conform to this chapter. The commissioner may make any such designation by designating methods that are not in conformity with this chapter.

CREDIT(S)

1999, c. 777, § 1.

 

§ 2521-B. Inspection for use of humane slaughtering methods

For the purpose of preventing the inhumane slaughtering of livestock, the commissioner shall appoint inspectors to examine and inspect the method by which livestock are slaughtered and handled in connection with slaughter in the registered, licensed or official slaughtering establishments inspected under this chapter. The commissioner may refuse to license or register a slaughtering establishment if the commissioner finds that livestock have been slaughtered or handled in connection with slaughter at the establishment by a method not in accordance with the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act of 1978, 7 United States Code, Sections 1901 to 1906 or not as stated in this section and sections 2521, 2521-A and 2521-C until the establishment furnishes assurances satisfactory to the commissioner that all slaughtering and handling in connection with slaughter of livestock are in accordance with such a method.

Credits
1999, c. 777, § 1; 2021, c. 64, § 26, eff. Oct. 18, 2021.

 

§ 2521-C. Exemption of ritual slaughter

This chapter may not be construed to prohibit, abridge or in any way hinder the religious freedom of a person or group. Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, in order to protect freedom of religion, ritual slaughter and the handling or other preparation of livestock for ritual slaughter are exempted from the terms of this chapter. For the purposes of this section the term "ritual slaughter" means slaughter in accordance with section 2521, subsection 2.

CREDIT(S)

1999, c. 777, § 1.

 

Share |