Protect Pregnant Livestock from Slaughter

That’s right: the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) does enforce the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act, but pregnancy is not covered under this act, Elizabeth Rumley, senior staff attorney to the National Agriculture Law Center.
There is currently no state or federal law prohibiting the slaughter of pregnant livestock.
It would require livestock to be tested for pregnancy before being transported to slaughterhouses.“All animals deserve to be treated humanely and with dignity,” said Assemblyman Benjie Wimberly (D-Passaic), who introduced “Brianna’s Law” (A-4886) to the state assembly on Jan. 17. “A pregnant cow is no different. This measure will help ensure that perpetrators pay, literally, for failing to exhibit such treatment.”

A new Law would make it a fourth-degree animal cruelty crime in Missouri to transport for slaughter, sell or otherwise provide for slaughter, or slaughter a pregnant cow. Violators would face fines of $3,000 to $10,000 for each conviction and could spend up to 18 months in prison. The bill also includes civil penalties of $3,000 to $5,000 in fines for each pregnant cow or carcass of a slaughtered pregnant cow.