Ill. Admin. Code tit. 8, § 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.
Notes
Amended at 7 Ill. Reg. 1756, effective February 2, 1983
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