Congress OKs Increased Funds for
Humane Slaughter Enforcement
by Tina Vu
www.meatingplace.com

An amendment to the fiscal 2001 emergency supplemental appropriations bill that increases funding for enforcement of the Animal Welfare and Humane Slaughter Acts was approved Friday by Congress, according to the office of Sen. Robert Byrd (D-W.Va.).

The amended bill passed both the House and Senate and is headed to President Bush's desk for signing into law.

The Senate unanimously approved the legislation, which raises the budgeted amount for humane slaughter enforcement by about $3 million, money that came from a Department of Labor surplus, Byrd's office said.

The added funds will be distributed as follows:

  • Not less than $1 million to help enforce the Animal Welfare Act
  • Not less than $1 million to enhance humane slaughter practices under the federal Meat Inspection Act
  • No more than $500,000 to be available to the undersecretary of Research, Education, and Economics for development and demonstration of technologies to promote the humane treatment of animals


The senator explained his support for humane treatment of animals July 9. After describing the bond between animals and humans, namely between dogs and their owners, Byrd castigated the cruelty enacted on these creatures. He listed various instances of continued abuse in livestock care, including evidence of pig scalding and removal of cattle hooves without stunning or desensitizing the animals, despite existing legislation.

An excerpt from Byrd's address to the Senate floor during consideration of the bill follows:

“The law clearly requires that these poor creatures be stunned and rendered insensitive to pain before this process begins. Federal law is being ignored. Animal cruelty abounds. It is sickening . . . infuriating. Barbaric treatment of helpless, defenseless creatures must not be tolerated even if these animals are being raised for food -- and even more so. Such insensitivity is insidious and can be spread and is dangerous. Life must be respected and dealt with humanely in a civilized society.”

Byrd added language to the supplemental appropriations bill directing the secretary of Agriculture to report on cases of inhumane animal treatment in livestock production and to document the response of USDA regulatory personnel.

“Oh, these are animals, yes, but they, too, feel pain,” Byrd said. “These agencies can do a better job, and with this provision they will know that the Congress expects them to do better in their inspections, in their enforcement of the law, and in their research for new, humane technologies. Additionally, those who perpetuate such barbaric practices will be put on notice that they are being watched.”