Illinois Administrative Code
Title 8 - AGRICULTURE AND ANIMALS
Part 50 - HUMANE SLAUGHTER OF LIVESTOCK
Section 50.40 - Slaughter Methods; Mechanical; Gunshot
Universal Citation: 8 IL Admin Code ยง 50.40
Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 38, September 20, 2024
a) The slaughtering of cattle, calves, sheep, swine, goats, horses and mules by shooting with firearms and the handling in connection therewith, in compliance with the provisions contained in these rules are hereby designated and approved as humane methods of slaughtering and handling of such animals under the Act.
b) Utilization of firearms; required effect; handling:
1) The firearms shall be employed
in the delivery of a bullet or projectile into the animal in accordance with
these rules so as to produce immediate unconsciousness in the animal by a
single shot before it is shackled, hoisted, thrown, cast, or cut. The animals
shall be shot in such a manner that they will be rendered unconscious with a
minimum of excitement and discomfort.
2) The driving of the animals to the shooting
areas shall be done with a minimum of excitement and discomfort to the animals.
Delivery of calm animals to the shooting area is essential since accurate
placement of the bullet is difficult in case of nervous or injured animals.
Among other things, this requires that, in driving animals to the shooting
areas, electrical equipment be used as little as possible and with the lowest
effective voltage.
3) Immediately
after the firearm is discharged and the projectile is delivered, the animal
shall be in a state of complete unconsciousness and remain in this condition
throughout shackling, sticking, and bleeding.
c) Facilities and procedure:
1) General requirements for shooting
facilities; operator:
A) On discharge,
acceptable firearms dispatch free projectiles or bullets of varying sizes and
diameters through the skull and into the brain. Unconsciousness is produced
immediately by a combination of physical brain destruction and changes in
intracranial pressure. Caliber of firearms shall be such that when properly
aimed and discharged, the projectile produces immediate
unconsciousness.
B) To assure
uniform unconsciousness of the animals with every discharge where small-bore
firearms are employed, it is necessary to use one of the following type
projectiles: Hollow pointed bullets, frangible iron plastic composition
bullets, or powdered iron missiles. When powdered iron missiles are used, the
firearms shall be in close proximity with the skull of the animal when fired.
Firearms must be maintained in good repair. For purposes of protecting
employees, inspectors and others, it is desirable that all firearms be equipped
with safety devices to prevent injuries from accidental discharge. Aiming and
discharging of firearms should be directed away from operating areas.
C) The provisions contained in Section
50.30(c)(1)(C)
with respect to the stunning area also apply
to the shooting area.
D) The
shooting operation is an exacting procedure and requires a well-trained and
experienced operator. He must be able to accurately direct the projectile to
produce immediate unconsciousness. He must use the correct caliber firearm,
powder charge and type of ammunition to produce the desired results.
2) Special requirements: Choice of
firearms and ammunition with respect to caliber and choice of powder charge
required to produce immediate unconsciousness of the animal may vary depending
on age and sex of the animal. In the case of bulls, rams, and boars, small-bore
firearms may be used provided they are able to produce immediate
unconsciousness of the animals. Small bore firearms are usually effective for
stunning other cattle, sheep, swine, goats, calves, horses and mules.
Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Illinois may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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