
From the U.S. Code Online via GPO Access
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[Laws in effect as of January 2, 2001]
[Document not affected by Public Laws enacted between
  January 2, 2001 and January 28, 2002]
[CITE: 7USC1901]

 
                          TITLE 7--AGRICULTURE
 
            CHAPTER 48--HUMANE METHODS OF LIVESTOCK SLAUGHTER
 
Sec. 1901. Findings and declaration of policy

    The Congress finds that the use of humane methods in the slaughter 
of livestock prevents needless suffering; results in safer and better 
working conditions for persons engaged in the slaughtering industry; 
brings about improvement of products and economies in slaughtering 
operations; and produces other benefits for producers, processors, and 
consumers which tend to expedite an orderly flow of livestock and 
livestock products in interstate and foreign commerce. It is therefore 
declared to be the policy of the United States that the slaughtering of 
livestock and the handling of livestock in connection with slaughter 
shall be carried out only by humane methods.

(Pub. L. 85-765, Sec. 1, Aug. 27, 1958, 72 Stat. 862.)


                      Short Title of 1978 Amendment

    For citation of Pub. L. 95-445, Oct. 10, 1978, 92 Stat. 1069, as the 
``Humane Methods of Slaughter Act of 1978'', see Short Title of 1978 
Amendment note set out under section 601 of Title 21, Food and Drugs.


            Commercial Transportation of Equine for Slaughter

    Pub. L. 104-127, title IX, subtitle A, Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1184, 
provided that:
``SEC. 901. FINDINGS.
    ``Because of the unique and special needs of equine being 
transported to slaughter, Congress finds that it is appropriate for the 
Secretary of Agriculture to issue guidelines for the regulation of the 
commercial transportation of equine for slaughter by persons regularly 
engaged in that activity within the United States.
``SEC. 902. DEFINITIONS.
    ``In this subtitle:
        ``(1) Commercial transportation.--The term `commercial 
    transportation' means the regular operation for profit of a 
    transport business that uses trucks, tractors, trailers, or 
    semitrailers, or any combination thereof, propelled or drawn by 
    mechanical power on any highway or public road.
        ``(2) Equine for slaughter.--The term `equine for slaughter' 
    means any member of the Equidae family being transferred to a 
    slaughter facility, including an assembly point, feedlot, or 
    stockyard.
        ``(3) Person.--The term `person'--
            ``(A) means any individual, partnership, corporation, or 
        cooperative association that regularly engages in the commercial 
        transportation of equine for slaughter; but
            ``(B) does not include any individual or other entity 
        referred to in subparagraph (A) that occasionally transports 
        equine for slaughter incidental to the principal activity of the 
        individual or other entity in production agriculture.
``SEC. 903. REGULATION OF COMMERCIAL TRANSPORTATION OF EQUINE FOR 
        SLAUGHTER.
    ``(a) In General.--Subject to the availability of appropriations, 
the Secretary of Agriculture may issue guidelines for the regulation of 
the commercial transportation of equine for slaughter by persons 
regularly engaged in that activity within the United States.
    ``(b) Issues for Review.--In carrying out this section, the 
Secretary of Agriculture shall review the food, water, and rest provided 
to equine for slaughter in transit, the segregation of stallions from 
other equine during transit, and such other issues as the Secretary 
considers appropriate.
    ``(c) Additional Authority.--In carrying out this section, the 
Secretary of Agriculture may--
        ``(1) require any person to maintain such records and reports as 
    the Secretary considers necessary;
        ``(2) conduct such investigations and inspections as the 
    Secretary considers necessary; and
        ``(3) establish and enforce appropriate and effective civil 
    penalties.
``SEC. 904. LIMITATION OF AUTHORITY TO EQUINE FOR SLAUGHTER.
    ``Nothing in this subtitle authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture 
to regulate the routine or regular transportation, to slaughter or 
elsewhere, of--
        ``(1) livestock other than equine; or
        ``(2) poultry.
``SEC. 905. EFFECTIVE DATE.
    ``This subtitle shall become effective on the first day of the first 
month that begins 30 days or more after the date of enactment of this 
Act [Apr. 4, 1996].''
