FSIS Issues Non-Ambulatory Livestock Notice

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is requesting comments on petitions for rulemaking submitted to the agency that raise issues associated with the disposition of non-ambulatory disabled veal calves and other non-ambulatory disabled livestock at slaughter.

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

"Essentially all disabled sheep are euthanized on the farm or ranch as proper animal husbandry as well as because of the absolute lack of any financial incentive to sell non-ambulatory sheep," stated Peter Orwick, American Sheep Industry Association executive director.

Comments on the implementation of this proposed rule must be received by April 8. Complete details are available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2011/2011-2504.htm.