Pennsylvania § 2362 - Humane methods of slaughtering domestic animals.
Full text of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 2362 — Humane methods of slaughtering domestic animals., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 2362. Humane methods of slaughtering domestic animals.
(a) Humane methods required.--
(1) Humane methods shall be used in the handling of domestic animals for slaughter and in the actual bleeding and slaughter of domestic animals.
(2) The use of a manually operated hammer, sledge or poleax by slaughterers, packers or stockyard operators during slaughtering operations is not a humane method of slaughter.
(b) Ritual slaughter.--Subsection (a) shall not apply to the operator of a commercial establishment with respect to the positioning and ritual slaughter of cows, poultry and sheep until one year after the department finds and notifies the operator that there is available at reasonable cost a ritually acceptable, practicable and humane method of handling or otherwise preparing conscious calves, poultry and sheep for slaughter.
(c) Exception.--Subsection (a) shall not apply to a farmer or other person slaughtering domestic animals owned by the farmer or person.
(d) Construction of section.--This section shall not be construed to prohibit, abridge or in any way hinder the religious freedom of any person or group.
(e) Review.--Determinations made by the department under authority of this section shall be subject to review in the manner provided by 2 Pa.C.S. Ch. 7 Subch. A (relating to judicial review of Commonwealth agency action).
(f) Applicability.--Where the slaughtering operations of slaughterers, packers or stockyard operators who would otherwise be subject to the requirements of this section are subject to inspection by the United States Department of Agriculture, applicable Federal law shall control, and the determination of whether slaughter is conducted by humane methods shall be made by the United States Department of Agriculture in accordance with Federal authority on the subject of humane methods of slaughter.
Source: official Pennsylvania text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania § 2362
What does Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 2362 cover?
Section 2362 ("Humane methods of slaughtering domestic animals.") is part of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, the codified statutory law of Pennsylvania. 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 Pennsylvania § 2362?
A common citation format is "Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 2362" (Pennsylvania). 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 Pennsylvania law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Pennsylvania official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Pennsylvania attorney.
How does Pennsylvania § 2362 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania.