The Humane Slaughter Act: Is it Working?

Another heated discussion has been brewing among popular animal rights activists and this time is concerns the controversy surrounding on the United State's oldest animal rights laws: The Humane Slaughter Act

The Humane Slaughter Act, also known as the Humane Methods of Livestock Slaughter Act (HMLSA), is a federal law passed in 1958 that in essence protects animals during their slaughter. According to the law, food animals must be unconscious during their slaughter. These animals are usually stunned just before by electrocution or a metal bolt drilled into the head. The act is designed to ensure a quick and fairly painless death for these food animals.

However, poultry and fish, two of America's most popular food animals, are not included in this act and recently many people are wondering why the law does not cover these species.

Many popular pet advocate agencies, such as PETA, have been opposing the Humane Slaughter Act since it was passed because it does not adequately cover all of the food animals consumed by humans nor, does it dictate the lives of these animals before they are slaughter. For example, under the current law, a cow can be mistreated and live in deplorable conditions its entire life, but must be unconscious at the time of its final death. This is not sitting well with animal lovers of all kinds.

One of the main concerns is the well being of chickens. Chickens around the United States, which are being bred as food animals, are being slaughtered using any means available. This translates to: there are literally chickens running around with their heads cut off. Although they taste great on our dinner table, pet activists are wondering why no one is ensuring they are being humanely executed?

Another criticism of the Humane Slaughter Act comes from the lack of enforcement from the USDA. The Humane Society of the United States often voices its dissatisfaction with the slaughterhouses in America because inspectors often do not have access to these facilities. Therefore, the inspectors cannot adequately assess if the Humane Slaughter Act is being properly executed.

So what can be done to make sure America's livestock is being treated fairly? Well, it is a very complicated subject with no simple quick fix. Some argue that it is time to update the law to include all species of food animals and to regulate how they are treated throughout their lifetime. Others believe that the solution is an overhaul of the current slaughterhouses so, that it USDA inspectors can do their jobs properly. While, a few animal rights activists say the solution is boycotting meat all together. It is important that everyone become informed on the lives of the animals most of us eat everyday. To find out more on the criticism involving the Humane Slaughter Act: Click Here