Rhode Island § 4-17-2 - Humane Slaughter of Livestock

§ 4-17-2. Definitions.

As used in chapter:

(1) “Director” means the director of environmental management.

(2) “Humane method” means either:

(i) A method through which the animal is rendered insensible to pain by mechanical, electrical, chemical or other means that is rapid and effective before being shackled, hoisted, thrown, cast, or cut; or

(ii) A method in accordance with the ritual requirements of the Jewish faith or any other religious faith through which 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.

(3) “Livestock” means cattle, cows, sheep, swine, horses, mules, goats and any other animal which can or may be used in and for the preparation of meat or meat products.

(4) “Packer” means any person engaged in the business of slaughtering, or manufacturing or preparing meat or meat products for sale, either by that person or others, or of manufacturing or preparing livestock products for sale by that person or others.

(5) “Person” means any individual, partnership, corporation, or association doing business in this state, in whole or in part.

(6) “Slaughterer” means any person who regularly engages in the commercial slaughtering of livestock.

(7) “Stockyard” means any place, establishment, or facility commonly known as a stockyard, conducted or operated for compensation or profit as a public market, consisting of pens, or other enclosures, and their appurtenances, for the handling, keeping, and holding of livestock for the purpose of sale or shipment.