65-6a20. Inspection of livestock, rabbits and poultry before slaughter; separate slaughter for diseased; inspection of carcasses. (a) For the purpose of preventing the use in intrastate commerce of meat and meat food products and poultry and poultry products which are adulterated, the secretary shall make an examination and inspection, by inspectors appointed for such purpose, of all livestock, domestic rabbits and poultry before such livestock, domestic rabbits and poultry are allowed to enter into any slaughtering, processing or similar establishment in this state in which slaughtering and preparation of meat or meat food products or poultry and poultry products of such animals are conducted for intrastate commerce. All livestock, domestic rabbits and poultry found on such inspection to show symptoms of disease shall be set apart and slaughtered separately from all other livestock, domestic rabbits and poultry. When slaughtered as provided in this section, the carcasses of such livestock, domestic rabbits or poultry shall be subject to a careful examination and inspection as provided by the rules and regulations adopted by the secretary.

(b) For the purpose of preventing the inhumane slaughtering or inhumane handling in connection with slaughter of livestock, domestic rabbits or poultry, the secretary shall cause to be made, by inspectors appointed for that purpose, an examination and inspection of the method by which livestock, domestic rabbits or poultry are slaughtered and handled in connection with slaughter in establishments registered or required to be registered under this act.

(c) The secretary may prescribe rules and regulations for the implementation of this section.

History: L. 1969, ch. 296, § 3; L. 1985, ch. 211, § 2; L. 2004, ch. 101, § 195; L. 2012, ch. 145, § 29; July 1.