Minnesota § 31.59 - HUMANE SLAUGHTER OF LIVESTOCK; DEFINITIONS
Full text of Minnesota Minnesota Statutes § 31.59 — HUMANE SLAUGHTER OF LIVESTOCK; DEFINITIONS, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 31.59. HUMANE SLAUGHTER OF LIVESTOCK; DEFINITIONS
Subdivision 1.Scope.
For the purposes of sections 31.59 to 31.591, the following terms have the meanings given them.
Subd. 2.Slaughterer.
"Slaughterer" means any person, partnership, corporation, or association regularly engaged in the commercial slaughtering of livestock.
Subd. 3.Livestock.
"Livestock" means cattle, horses, swine, sheep and goats.
Subd. 4.Humane methods.
"Humane methods" means:
(1) Any method of slaughtering livestock which normally causes animals to be rendered insensible to pain by a single blow of a mechanical instrument or shot of a firearm or by chemical, or other means that are rapid and effective, before being shackled, hoisted, thrown, cast, or cut; or
(2) The methods of preparation necessary to safe handling of the animals for Halal ritual slaughter, Jewish ritual slaughter and of slaughtering required by the ritual of the Islamic or Jewish 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.
Subd. 5.Inhumane method.
The use of a manually operated hammer or sledge is declared an inhumane method of slaughter.
History:
1959 c 670 s 1; 2001 c 54 s 1; 2013 c 125 art 1 s 22
Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes
Source: official Minnesota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Minnesota § 31.59
What does Minnesota Statutes § 31.59 cover?
Section 31.59 ("HUMANE SLAUGHTER OF LIVESTOCK; DEFINITIONS") is part of the Minnesota Statutes, the codified statutory law of Minnesota. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Minnesota § 31.59?
A common citation format is "Minnesota Statutes § 31.59" (Minnesota). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Minnesota law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Minnesota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Minnesota attorney.
How does Minnesota § 31.59 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Minnesota can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Minnesota.