Text of California's Downed Animal Law

Section 599f is added to the Penal Code to read:

599f. (a) No slaughterhouse that is not inspected by the United States Department of Agriculture, stockyard, or auction shall buy, sell, or receive a nonambulatory animal.

(b) No slaughterhouse, stockyard, auction, market agency, or dealer shall hold a nonambulatory animal without taking immediate action to humanely euthanize the animal or remove the animal from the premises.

(c) While in transit or on the premises of a stockyard, auction, market agency, dealer, or slaughterhouse, a nonambulatory animal may not be dragged at any time, or pushed with equipment at any time, but shall be moved with a sling or on a stoneboat or other sled-like or wheeled conveyance.

(d) A violation of this section is a misdemeanor.

(e) As used in this section, "nonambulatory" means unable to stand and walk without assistance.

(f) As used in this section, "animal" means live cattle, swine, sheep, or goats.