SECTION 35:37-9-28. Ante-mortem inspection

(a)   An ante-mortem inspection of rabbits shall, where and to the extent considered necessary by the Department and under instructions as the inspector may issue from time to time, be made of rabbits on the day of slaughter in any official plant processing rabbits under inspection pursuant to the regulations in this Part.

(b)   All rabbits held on official premises shall be held in a manner as to be adequately protected from extremes of heat, cold or drafty or insanitary conditions.

(c)   No rabbits shall be held overnight on any official premises without being provided adequate clean potable water.

(d)   All rabbits on official premises will be handled and stunned in a humane manner. When an inspector observes an incident of inhumane slaughter or handling in connection with slaughter, he/she shall inform the establishment operator of the incident and request that the operator take the necessary steps to prevent recurrence. If the establishment operator fails to take action or fails to promptly provide the inspector with satisfactory assurances that action will be taken, the inspector shall follow the procedures specified in Paragraph (1), (2), or (3) of this Subsection as appropriate.

(1)   If the cause of inhumane treatment is the result of facility deficiencies, disrepair, or equipment breakdown, the inspector shall attach an Oklahoma Rejected tag. No equipment, alleyway, pen or compartment tagged shall be used until made acceptable to the inspector. The tag shall not be removed by anyone other than an inspector. All rabbits slaughtered prior to tagging may be dressed, processed, or prepared under inspection.

(2)   If the cause of inhumane treatment is the result of establishment employee actions in the handling or moving of rabbits, the inspector shall attach an Oklahoma Rejected tag to the alleyways leading to the stunning area. After the tagging of the alleyway, no more rabbits shall be moved to the stunning area until the inspector receives satisfactory assurances from the establishment operator that there will not be a recurrence. The tag shall not be removed by anyone other than an inspector. All rabbits slaughtered prior to the tagging may be dressed, processed, or prepared under inspection.

(3)   If the cause of inhumane treatment is the result of improper stunning, the inspector shall attach an Oklahoma Rejected tag to the stunning area. Stunning procedures shall not be resumed until the inspector receives satisfactory assurances from the establishment operator that there will not be a recurrence. The tag shall not be removed by anyone other than an inspector. All rabbits slaughtered prior to tagging may be dressed, processed, or prepared under inspection.

[Source: Added at 21 Ok Reg 1181, eff 5-27-04]