Full Statute Name:  West's Wisconsin Statutes Annotated. Agriculture, Food and Trade Practices. Chapter 95. Animal Health, 95.80. Humane slaughtering

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Primary Citation:  W. S. A. 95.80, .99 Country of Origin:  United States Last Checked:  February, 2024 Alternate Citation:  WI ST 95.80, .99 Date Adopted:  1959 Historical: 
Summary: Under this Wisconsin statute, livestock may only be slaughtered by humane methods, such that they are rendered insensible to pain by a single blow or shot of a mechanical instrument or by electrical, chemical or other means that is rapid and effective, before being shackled, hoisted, thrown, cast, or cut. Religious ritual slaughter practices whereby the animal suffers loss of consciousness by anemia of the brain caused by the simultaneous and instantaneous severance of the carotid arteries with a sharp instrument, are also considered to be “humane.”

95.80. Humane slaughtering

(1) Definitions. As used in this section:

(a) “Humane method” means:

1. Any method of slaughtering livestock which normally causes animals to be rendered insensible to pain by a single blow or shot of a mechanical instrument or by electrical, chemical or other means that is rapid and effective, before being shackled, hoisted, thrown, cast, or cut; or

2. The method of slaughtering, including handling and other preparation for slaughtering, required by or used in connection with the ritual of any religious faith, whereby the animal suffers loss of consciousness by anemia of the brain caused by the simultaneous and instantaneous severance of the carotid arteries with a sharp instrument.

(b) “Livestock” means cattle, horses, swine, sheep, goats, farm-raised deer and other species of animals susceptible of use in the production of meat and meat products.

(c) “Slaughterer” means any person operating a slaughterhouse licensed under s. 97.42, or registered under s. 97.44.

(2) Prohibition. No slaughterer may slaughter livestock except by a humane method.

Credits
<<For credits, see Historical Note field.>>

HISTORICAL AND STATUTORY NOTES

 2012 Main Volume

Source:


L.1959, c. 294, § 1, eff. July 1, 1960.

L.1961, c. 191, § 109, eff. July 1, 1961.

L.1961, c. 621, § 23.

L.1969, c. 392, § 84, eff. Feb. 22, 1970.

L.1969, c. 459, § 3, eff. March 15, 1970.

L.1971, c. 40, § 93.

L.1973, c. 206, § 5, eff. May 18, 1974.

1983 Act 111, § 1, eff. Dec. 4, 1983.

1983 Act 189, § 125, eff. April 10, 1984.

1995 Act 79, § 56, eff. Dec. 8, 1995. 
 

95.99. Penalties

(1) Any person who violates this chapter, or an order issued or a rule adopted under this chapter, for which a specific penalty is not prescribed shall, for the first offense, be fined not more than $1,000; and for any subsequent offense fined not less than $500 nor more than $1,000, or imprisoned not more than 6 months or both.

(2) The department may seek an injunction restraining any person from violating this chapter or any rule promulgated under this chapter.

(3) A person who violates this chapter or any rule promulgated or order issued under this chapter, for which a specific penalty is not prescribed, may be required to forfeit not less than $200 nor more than $5,000 for the first offense and may be required to forfeit not less than $400 nor more than $5,000 for the 2nd or subsequent offense committed within 5 years of an offense for which a penalty has been assessed under this section. A forfeiture under this subsection is in lieu of a criminal penalty under sub. (1).

<<For credits, see Historical Note field.>>

HISTORICAL AND STATUTORY NOTES

Source:

L.1945, c. 131.

St.1945, § 95.69.

L.1951, c. 223.

L.1953, c. 61, § 93.

L.1953, c. 208.

St.1967, §§ 95.69, 97.72(4).

L.1969, c. 286, § 47, eff. Dec. 28, 1969.

L.1977, c. 216, § 2.

L.1979, c. 129, §§ 12, 13, eff. March 13, 1980.

St.1979, § 95.69.

L.1981, c. 66, §§ 4, 6, eff. Nov. 26, 1981.

1983 Act 111, § 2, eff. Dec. 4, 1983.

1995 Act 450, § 21, eff. July 9, 1996.

 

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