4. Includes poultry in the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act

The IAA Act also amends the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act of 1958 to include poultry, which it currently does not. Around 10 billion land animals are slaughtered for food every year in the US, and around 9 billion of those are chickens raised for meat. Typically, chickens are shackled upside down by their legs on a processing line, their heads are dragged through an electrified water bath to render them unconscious and then a small blade slits their throats, and they bleed to death. Studies suggest that millions of birds may be conscious as they enter the scolding hot de-feathering tank due to improper stunning and slaughter methods.

The inclusion of poultry in the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act might allow for re-stunning or slower line speeds to check for signs of consciousness, and would almost certainly lead to an increase in more humane methods of slaughter such as Controlled Atmosphere Stunning, in which birds are knocked out by CO2 or argon gas.

Take Action

Compassion in World Farming’s support for the Industrial Agriculture Accountability Act is grounded in our commitment to creating a more humane, sustainable, and equitable food system. By advocating for stronger animal welfare standards, environmental protections, transparency, and worker rights, the IAA Act addresses the urgent need for reform in animal agriculture.

CIWF believes that this legislation is a crucial step toward ending factory farming and building a future where both animals and people can thrive.

Tell Congress to hold meat industry giants accountable for animal, worker and community suffering by sending your message today.