Downer (animal)

In nearly all cases it is considered by most farmers to be both humane and cost-effective to kill the animal when it becomes a downer, rather than keeping it alive and unhealthy.

[1][2] A longstanding issue is whether these animals are treated humanely or inhumanely by shippers, stockyards, and packers while they are being moved or held for slaughter.

Legislation periodically is introduced in Congress to outlaw the sale or transfer of such animals, but livestock producer groups have long contended that their voluntary efforts to end harmful practices have already proven successful.

10815) required the USDA to investigate and submit a report on nonambulatory livestock, and to issue and enforce regulations, if deemed necessary, to provide for their humane treatment.

As a result, on December 30, 2003, the USDA announced an immediate ban on the slaughter of downer cattle for human food use.