Source:  Rita Jane Gabbett, MEATINGPLACE.COM, 2/7/11

USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service is requesting comments on two petitions for rulemaking that raise issues associated with the disposition of non-ambulatory disabled veal calves and other non-ambulatory disabled livestock at slaughter.

The first petition, submitted by the Humane Society of the United States, asks FSIS to repeal a provision in its ante-mortem inspection regulations that permits veal calves that are unable to rise from a recumbent position and walk because they are tired or cold to be set apart and held for treatment. Such calves are permitted to proceed to slaughter if they are able to rise and walk after being warmed or rested.

The HSUS has petitioned FSIS to amend the regulations to require that non-ambulatory disabled veal calves be condemned and promptly and humanely euthanized.

The second petition, submitted by Farm Sanctuary, asks FSIS to amend federal meat inspection regulations to prohibit slaughter of non-ambulatory disabled pigs, sheep, goats and other livestock.
In addition to requesting comments on the petitions, FSIS is clarifying its requirements for condemned non-ambulatory disabled cattle at official slaughter establishments.

Further details can be viewed in the Federal Register document. 

Comments must be received by April 8, 2011 at www.regulations.gov or otherwise delivered to: Docket Clerk, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), FSIS, Room 2-2127, George Washington Carver Center, 5601 Sunnyside Avenue, Beltsville, MD 20705-5272 and should include the agency name and docket number FSIS-2010-0041.

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