The Congress finds that the use of humane methods in the slaughter of livestock prevents needless suffering; results in safer and better working conditions for persons engaged in the slaughtering industry; brings about improvement of products and economies in slaughtering operations; and produces other benefits for producers, processors, and consumers which tend to expedite an orderly flow of livestock and livestock products in interstate and foreign commerce. It is therefore declared to be the policy of the United States that the slaughtering of livestock and the handling of livestock in connection with slaughter shall be carried out only by humane methods.
7 U.S. Code § 1901 - Findings and declaration of policy
For citation of Pub. L. 95–445, Oct. 10, 1978, 92 Stat. 1069, as the “Humane Methods of Slaughter Act of 1978”, see Short Title of 1978 Amendment note set out under section 601 of Title 21, Food and Drugs.
Pub. L. 107–171, title X, § 10305, May 13, 2002, 116 Stat. 493, provided that:
Pub. L. 104–127, title IX, subtitle A, Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1184, provided that:
“Because of the unique and special needs of equine being transported to slaughter, Congress finds that it is appropriate for the Secretary of Agriculture to issue guidelines for the regulation of the commercial transportation of equine for slaughter by persons regularly engaged in that activity within the United States.
“This subtitle shall become effective on the first day of the first month that begins 30 days or more after the date of enactment of this Act [Apr. 4, 1996].”