Humane Methods of Slaughter Act

  [[File:|frameless|alt=]]

85th United States Congress
Citation
Territorial extent
Considered by
Enacted by	85th United States Congress
Passed
Enacted
Considered by
Enacted by

The Humane Methods of Slaughter Act (HMSA) is a United States federal law designed to ensure that livestock are slaughtered in a humane manner. Originally passed in 1958, the Act requires that animals be rendered insensible to pain before being slaughtered. The Act applies to cattle, sheep, swine, goats, horses, mules, and other equines.

History

The Humane Methods of Slaughter Act was signed into law by President Dwight D. Eisenhower on August 27, 1958. The Act was a response to growing public concern about the treatment of animals in slaughterhouses. It was initially applicable only to meat suppliers for the federal government, but its scope was expanded in 1978 to cover all federally inspected slaughterhouses.

Provisions

The HMSA mandates that all livestock must be slaughtered in a manner that is "humane". According to the Act, humane methods of slaughter include:

• Rendering the animal insensible to pain by a single blow or gunshot or by electrical, chemical, or other means that is rapid and effective, before being shackled, hoisted, thrown, cast, or cut.
• Slaughtering in accordance with the ritual requirements of any 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.

Enforcement

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is responsible for enforcing the HMSA. The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), a branch of the USDA, conducts inspections to ensure compliance with the Act. Violations can result in suspension of inspection services, effectively halting operations at the offending facility.

Impact

The HMSA has been influential in improving the welfare of animals in slaughterhouses. It has also inspired similar legislation in other countries. However, enforcement and compliance remain challenges, with reports of violations occasionally surfacing.

Criticism and Challenges

Critics of the HMSA argue that enforcement is inconsistent and that the Act does not cover poultry, which constitutes a significant portion of animals slaughtered for food. Efforts to amend the Act to include poultry have been made but have not yet been successful.

Amendments and Related Legislation

The HMSA has been amended several times to strengthen its provisions and improve enforcement. Related legislation includes the Animal Welfare Act and the Federal Meat Inspection Act.

Also see

• Animal Welfare Act
• Federal Meat Inspection Act
• Food Safety and Inspection Service
• United States Department of Agriculture
• Slaughterhouse Cases