Or. Admin. R. 603-029-0720 - Mechanical; Gunshot
The slaughtering of meat animals by shooting with firearms and
the handling in connection therewith, in
(1) Utilization of firearms, required effect;
handling.
(a) The firearms shall be employed
in the delivery of a bullet or projectile into the meat animal in accordance
with this rule so as to produce immediate unconsciousness in the animal by a
single shot before it is shackled, hoisted, thrown, cast, or cut. The meat
animal shall be shot in such a manner that it will be rendered unconscious with
a minimum of excitement and discomfort.
(b) 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.
(c)
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.
(2) Facilities and procedure.
(a) 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 animal 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 OAR
603-029-0715(2)(a)(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. The operator must be able to accurately direct the projectile to
produce immediate unconsciousness. The operator must use the correct caliber
firearm, powder charge and type of ammunition to produce the desired
results.
(b) 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, and goats, and
calves.
Notes
Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 603.085, ORS 619.042 & ORS 619.046
Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 619.042, ORS 603.059 & ORS 603.065
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