Emergency Slaughter for Injured Animals

If a suffering, injured animal arrives at a plant and a USDA inspector veterinarian is not available to examine the animal, it may be necessary to perform an "Emergency Slaughter" . USDA regulation 311.27 allows plants to perform such an emergency act for humane reasons. The regulations requires that the carcass and all parts must be held for inspection, with the head and all viscera except the stomach, bladder and intestines held by the natural attachments. If all parts are not kept in this manner for inspection, the entire carcass will be condemned. When an inspector is available, the held carcass and viscera will be inspected and may be passed or condemned depending on the evidence.
Animals that are sick, dying or have recently been treated with drugs or chemicals and are presented for slaughter before the required withdrawal period are not covered by emergency slaughter.