ADMINISTRATIVE CODE

TITLE 8: AGRICULTURE AND ANIMALS
CHAPTER I: DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
SUBCHAPTER b: ANIMALS AND ANIMAL PRODUCTS (EXCEPT MEAT AND POULTRY INSPECTION ACT REGULATIONS)
PART 50 HUMANE SLAUGHTER OF LIVESTOCK

Section 50.10 Definitions

Section 50.20 Slaughter Methods; Chemical; Carbon Dioxide

Section 50.30 Slaughter Methods; Mechanical; Captive Bolt

Section 50.40 Slaughter Methods; Mechanical; Gunshot

Section 50.50 Slaughter Methods; Electrical

Section 50.10 Definitions

Words in the singular form shall be deemed to include the plural, words in the masculine form shall be deemed to include the feminine form, and vice versa, as the case may require. Terms defined for the purpose of the Act:

"Act". Means the Humane Slaughter of Livestock Act [510 ILCS 75].

"Anesthesia". Loss of sensation of feeling.

"Captive bolt". A stunning instrument which when activated drives a bolt out of a barrel for a limited distance.

"Carbon dioxide". A gaseous form of the chemical formula CO(2).

"Carbon dioxide concentration". Ratio of carbon dioxide gas and atmospheric air.

"Consciousness". Responsiveness of the brain to the impressions made by the senses.

"Department". The Illinois Department of Agriculture.

"Exposure time". The period of time an animal is exposed to an anesthesia-producing carbon dioxide concentration.

"Inspectors". Any officer or employee of the Department authorized to perform any duties under the Act or these rules.

"Surgical anesthesia". A state of unconsciousness in which the subject exhibits no sense of pain but maintains sensory reflexes essential to life.

(Source: Amended at 18 Ill. Reg. 14911, effective September 26, 1994)

Section 50.20 Slaughter Methods; Chemical; Carbon Dioxide

a) The slaughtering of sheep, calves and swine with the use of carbon dioxide gas 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) Administration of gas; required effective; handling:

1) The carbon dioxide gas shall be administered in a chamber in accordance with these rules so as to produce surgical anesthesia in the animals before they are shackled, hoisted, thrown, cast, or cut. The animals shall be exposed to the carbon dioxide gas in a way that will accomplish the anesthesia quickly and calmly, with a minimum of excitement and discomfort to the animals. In swine, carbon dioxide may be administered to induce death in the animals before they are shackled, hoisted, thrown, cast, or cut.

2) The driving or conveying of the animals to the carbon dioxide chamber shall be done with a minimum of excitement and discomfort to the animals. Delivery of calm animals to the anesthesia chamber is essential since the induction, or early phase, of anesthesia is less violent with docile animals. Among other things this requires that, in driving animals to the anesthesia chamber, electrical equipment be used as little as possible and with the lowest effective voltage.

3) On emerging from the carbon dioxide tunnel, the animals shall be in a state of surgical anesthesia and shall remain in this condition throughout shackling, sticking and bleeding, except for swine in which death has been induced by the administration of carbon dioxide. The provisions of 8 Ill. Adm. Code 125.190 and 125.210 and 9 CFR 311.30 (1990) shall apply. Asphyxia or death from any cause shall not be produced in the animals before bleeding, except for swine in which death has been induced by the administration of carbon dioxide.

c) Facilities and procedures:

1) General requirements for gas chambers and auxiliary equipment; operator: The carbon dioxide gas shall be administered in a chamber which accomplishes effective exposure of the animal. Two types of tunnels, based on the same principle, are in common use for carbon dioxide anesthesia. They are the "U" type tunnel and the "Straight Line" type tunnel, and are based on the principle that carbon dioxide gas has a higher specific gravity than air. The tunnels are open at both ends for entry and exit of animals and have a depressed central section. Anesthetizing or, in the case of swine, death-inducing, carbon dioxide concentrations are maintained in the central sections of the tunnels. Effective anesthetization is produced in these central sections. Animals are driven from holding pens through pathways constructed of large-diameter pipe or smooth metal and onto continuous conveyor devices that move the animals through the tunnels. The animals are either compartmentalized on the conveyors by mechanical impellers synchronized with the conveyor or they are otherwise prevented from crowding. While impellers are used to compartmentalize the animals, mechanically or manually operated gates are used to move the animals onto the conveyors. Surgically anesthetized animals, or killed swine, are moved out of the tunnels by the same continuous conveyors that moved them into and through the carbon dioxide gas.

2) Special requirements for gas chamber and auxiliary equipment: The ability of anesthetizing equipment to perform with maximum efficiency is dependent on its proper design and efficient mechanical operation. Pathways, compartments, gas chambers, and all other equipment used must be designed to accommodate properly the species of animals being anesthetized. They shall be free from pain-producing restraining devices. Injury of animals must be prevented by the elimination of sharp projections or exposed wheels or gears. There shall be no unnecessary holes, spaces or openings where feet or legs of animals may be injured. Impellers or other devices designed to mechanically move or drive animals or otherwise keep them in motion or compartmentalized shall be constructed of flexible or well padded rigid material. Power activated gates designed for constant flow of animals to anesthetizing equipment shall be so fabricated that they will not cause injury. All equipment involved in anesthetizing animals shall be maintained in good repair.

3) Gas: Maintenance of a uniform carbon dioxide concentration and distribution in the anesthesia chamber is a vital aspect of producing surgical anesthesia. This may be assured by reasonably accurate instruments which sample and analyze carbon dioxide gas concentration within the chamber throughout anesthetizing operations. Gas concentration shall be maintained uniform so that the degree of anesthesia in exposed animals will be constant. Carbon dioxide gas supplied to anesthesia chambers will be from controlled reduction of solid carbon dioxide or from a controlled liquid source. In either case the carbon dioxide shall be supplied at a rate sufficient to anesthetize adequately and uniformly the number of animals passing through the chamber. Sampling of gas for analysis shall be made from a representative place or places within the chamber and on a continuing basis. Gas concentrations and exposure time shall be graphically recorded throughout each day's operation. Neither carbon dioxide nor atmospheric air used in the anesthesia chambers shall contain noxious or irritating gases. Each day before equipment is used for anesthetizing animals, proper care shall be taken to mix adequately the gas and air within the chamber. All gas producing and control equipment shall be maintained in good repair and all indicators, instruments, and measuring devices must be available for inspection by Division inspectors during anesthetizing operations and at other times. An exhaust system must be provided so that, in case of equipment failure, non-uniform carbon dioxide concentrations in the gas tunnel or contamination of the ambient air of the establishment will be prevented.

(Source: Amended at 18 Ill. Reg. 14911, effective September 26, 1994)

Section 50.30 Slaughter Methods; Mechanical; Captive Bolt

a) The slaughtering of sheep, swine, goats, calves, cattle, horses and mules by using captive bolt stunners and 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) Application of stunners; required effect; handling:

1) The captive bolt stunners shall be applied to the livestock in accordance with these rules so as to produce immediate unconsciousness in the animals before they are shackled, hoisted, thrown, cast, or cut. The animals shall be stunned 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 stunning areas shall be done with a minimum of excitement and discomfort to the animals. Delivery of calm animals to the stunning areas is essential since accurate placement of stunning equipment is difficult on nervous or injured animals. Among other things, this requires that, in driving animals to the stunning areas, electrical equipment be used as little as possible and with the lowest effective voltage.

3) Immediately after the stunning blow is delivered the animals shall be in a state of complete unconsciousness and remain in this condition throughout shackling, sticking and bleeding.

c) Facilities and procedures:

1) General requirements for stunning facilities; operator:

A) Acceptable captive bolt stunning instruments may be either skull penetrating or non-penetrating. The latter type is also described as a concussion or mushroom type stunner. Penetrating instruments on detonation deliver bolts varying diameters and lengths through the skull and into the brain. Unconsciousness is produced immediately by physical brain destruction and a combination of changes in intracranial pressure and acceleration concussion. Non-penetrating or mushroom stunners on detonation deliver a bolt with a flattened circular head against the external surface of the animal's head over the brain. Diameter of the striking surface of the stunner may vary as conditions require. Unconsciousness is produced immediately by a combination of acceleration concussion and changes in intracranial pressures. A combination instrument utilizing both penetrating and non-penetrating principles is acceptable. Energizing of instruments will be accomplished by detonation of measured charges of gunpowder or accurately controlled compressed air. Captive bolts shall be of such size and design that, when properly positioned and activated, immediate unconsciousness is produced.

B) To assure uniform unconsciousness with every blow, compressed air devices must be equipped to deliver the necessary constant air pressure and must have accurate, constantly operating air pressure gauges. Gauges must be easily read and conveniently located for use by the stunning operator and the inspector. For purposes of protecting employees, inspectors, and others, it is desirable that any stunning device be equipped with safety features to prevent injuries from accidental discharge. Stunning instruments must be maintained in good repair.

C) The stunning area shall be so designed and constructed as to limit the free movements of animals sufficiently to allow the operator to locate the stunning blow with a high degree of accuracy. All chutes, alleys, gates and restraining mechanisms between and including holding pens and stunning area shall be free from pain-producing features such as exposed bolt ends, loose boards, splintered or broken planking, and protruding sharp metal of any kind. There shall be no unnecessary holes or other openings where feet or legs of animals may be injured. Overhead drop gates shall be suitably covered on the bottom edge to prevent injury on contact with animals. Roughened or cleated cement shall be used as flooring in chutes leading to stunning areas to reduce falls of animals. Chutes, alleys, and stunning areas shall be so designed that they will comfortably accommodate the kinds of animals to be stunned.

D) The stunning operation is an exacting procedure and requires a well-trained and experienced operator. He must be able to accurately place the stunning instrument to produce immediate unconsciousness. He must use the correct detonating charge with regard to kind, breed, size, age, and sex of the animal to produce the desired results.

2) Special requirements: Choice of instrument and force required to produce immediate unconsciousness varies, depending on kind, breed, size, age, and sex of the animal. Young swine, lambs, and calves usually require less stunning force than mature animals of the same kind. Bulls, rams, and boars usually require skull penetration to produce immediate unconsciousness. Charges suitable for smaller kinds of livestock such as swine or for young animals are not acceptably interchanged for use on larger kinds or older livestock, respectively.

(Source: Amended at 7 Ill. Reg. 1756, effective February 2, 1983)

Section 50.40 Slaughter Methods; Mechanical; Gunshot

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.

Section 50.50 Slaughter Methods; Electrical

a) The slaughtering of swine, sheep, calves, cattle and goats with the use of electric current 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) Administration of electric current; required effect; handling:

1) The electric current shall be administered so as to produce, at a minimum, surgical anesthesia (i.e., a state where the animal feels no painful sensation). The animals shall be either stunned or killed before they are shackled, hoisted, thrown, cast, or cut. The animals shall be exposed to the electric current in a way that will accomplish the anesthesia quickly and calmly, with a minimum of excitement and discomfort to the animals.

2) The driving or conveying of the animals to the place of application of electric current shall be done with a minimum of excitement and discomfort to the animals. Delivery of calm animals to the place of application is essential to insure rapid and effective insensibility. Among other things this requires that, in driving animals to the place of application, electrical equipment be used as little as possible and with the lowest effective voltage.

3) The quality and location of the electrical shock shall be such as to produce immediate insensibility to pain in the exposed animal.

4) The stunned animal shall remain in a state of surgical anesthesia through shackling, sticking and bleeding.

c) Facilities and procedures; operator:

1) General requirements for operator: It is necessary that the operator of electric current application equipment be skilled, attentive, and aware of his responsibility.

2) Special requirements for electric current application equipment: The ability of electric current equipment to perform with maximum efficiency is dependent on its proper design and efficient mechanical operation. Pathways, compartments, current applicators, and all other equipment used must be designed to accommodate properly the species of animals being anesthetized. They shall be free from pain-producing restraining devices. Injury of animals must be prevented by the elimination of sharp projections or exposed wheels or gears. There shall be no unnecessary holes, spaces or openings where feet or legs of animals may be injured. Impellers or other devices designed to mechanically move or drive animals or otherwise keep them in motion or compartmentalized shall be constructed of flexible or padded material. Power activated gates designed for constant flow of animals to electrical stunning equipment shall be so fabricated that they will not cause injury. All equipment used to apply and control electrical current shall be maintained in good repair and all indicators, instruments, and measuring devices shall be available for inspection by Division inspectors during the operation and at other times.

3) Electric current: Each animal shall be given a sufficient application of electric current to insure surgical anesthesia throughout the bleeding operation. Suitable timing, voltage and current control devices shall be used to insure that each animal receives the necessary electrical charge to produce immediate unconsciousness. The current shall be applied so as to avoid the production of hemorrhages or other tissue changes that would interfere with the inspection procedures.

(Source: Amended at 9 Ill. Reg. 18427, effective November 19, 1985)