Are electric prods or other devices eligible for use on live animals?
A. Electric prodding devices are common handling tools and are humane when properly used. Electric prodding devices should be used minimally and in a humane manner on ambulatory animals. The Agency considers it unacceptable and inhumane to prod a non-ambulatory animal in any manner. Mechanical means, such as by forklift, to elevate an animal is not considered humane. FSIS can take immediate regulatory action and suspend inspection if inspection program personnel observe egregious violations of humane handling , thereby prohibiting the establishment from operating until they correct the problem.
