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HUMANE HANDLING
Our Division takes very seriously our responsibility
for enforcing state (NC G.S. 106-549.17) and federal (9 CFR Part 313) regulations
designed to ensure all red meat animals entering the food supply are treated in compliance
with these requirements. All inspectors and veterinarians employed by our division
receive specialized training to become proficient in their knowledge of these
important regulations.
Inspectors
and veterinarians assigned to the slaughter establishments under our inspection
perform humane handling verification procedures daily. In 2012, our Inspection personnel performed 6,634 humane handling verification
procedures. Examples include making sure:
Truck
unloading facilities and handling of animals during unloading is accomplished
with a minimum of excitement and discomfort.
Slaughter
establishments provide holding pens that protect animals should inclement weather
arise.
Holding
pens do not present any physical hazards to animals.
Flooring
of those pens prevents slipping and falling.
Water
is accessible to animals.
Food
is provided for animals held more than 24 hours.
Techniques
used to move animals prevent excitement.
Prods
and other driving implements are used appropriately.
Method
of rendering the animals unconscious prior to slaughter is properly applied and
effective.
Establishment
employees handle any disabled animals humanely.
Of
those 6,634 procedures performed in 2012, inspection personnel found slaughter
houses to be in compliance with regulations in all but 28 instances.
Our Inspectors document and report all instances of inhumane treatment
of animals. They have the authority to stop immediately slaughter activities whenever
such instances occur. Inspectors also evaluate establishment management's corrective
actions and preventive measures to correct those situations.
Additionally,
a Veterinary Specialist in Humane Handling conducts official visits to every slaughter
facility under inspection by NCDA&CS Meat and Poultry Inspection Division.
This
thorough review serves as a comprehensive evaluation of the facility's
humane handling practices.
In December 2007, NCDA&CS Meat and Poultry
Inspection Division published the booklet, "Compliance with Humane Handling
Laws and Regulations" in an effort to educate industry and to promote a proactive
approach to humane handling.
Document Links:
Compliance
with Humane Handling Laws and Regulations: Guidance Document
2010 American Meat Institute Humane Handling Guidelines
Humane Handling Booklet
Humane Handling
Web Links:
Livestock Behavior,
Design of Facilities and Humane Slaughter
USDA
Food Safety and Inspection Service's Website (type "humane handling"
into search box)
Humane Handling Information in Spanish:
Spanish Translations of Selected Articles
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NCDA&CS - Meat and Poultry Inspection Division, W. Alan Wade , Director
Mailing Address:1001 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1001
Physical Address: 2 West Edenton Street , Raleigh, NC 27601
Phone: (919) 707-3180; FAX: (919) 715-0246; TA Office: (919) 707-3195
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