The Humane Methods of Slaughter Act states that livestock must be slaughtered in a humane manner to prevent needless suffering. Although more than 168 million chickens and around 9 billion broiler chickens are killed for food in the United States yearly, the Humane Slaughter Act specifically mentions only cattle, calves, horses, mules, sheep and swine. Many chicken have their throats cut fully conscious or are boiled alive; adding chicken to this act will help end the pain and torture they go through.