Charles W. Stenholm: “Existing statutes and regulations are sufficient to address the issue of preventing conscious, nonambulatory livestock…”

“Existing statutes and regulations are sufficient to address the issue of preventing conscious, nonambulatory livestock from being inhumanely handled prior to slaughter. Now, there are differences of opinion as to what is 'inhumanely handled,' and I respect those who have a different opinion than I have. Now, Federal and State veterinarians at slaughter establishments are best capable of identifying and segregating suspect animals from entering the food chain. FSIS personnel verify that disabled livestock handling procedures are carried out to ensure that nonambulatory animals are set apart and humanely slaughtered. That is what the chairman was pointing out will no longer happen if the gentleman's amendment is passed. In accordance with the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Poultry Products Inspection Act, FSIS inspectors conduct anti-mortem inspection of livestock. Unconscious, disabled livestock cannot receive anti-mortem inspection and must be condemned and disposed of in accordance with FSIS regulations and the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act.”