A judge on Thursday refused to dismiss the five felony and three misdemeanor charges against Daniel Navarro, one of the two workers from a California slaughterhouse charged with abusive treatment of cows. In the weeks since a videotape exposing the mistreatment became public, Congress has held hearings demanding assurance that the strict laws governing animal protection are being enforced elsewhere.
To their credit, Americans do not tolerate cruelty to animals. The Humane Methods of Slaughter Act mandates that livestock must be stunned into unconsciousness prior to slaughter to ensure a painless death. Food Safety and Inspection Service policy says poultry processors must treat chickens “in such a manner as to minimize excitement, discomfort, and accidental injury.” Holding areas must be equipped with an adequate number of fans to ensure proper ventilation for the birds, and the chickens are supposed to be handled carefully so their legs and wings do not break.
