Cincinnati Says "NO" to Downed Animals

On June 18, 1997, Cincinnati (formerly known as "Porkopolis") became America's first city to ban the delivery of downed animals at slaughterhouses. This ordinance is the country's strongest prohibition on the movement of downed animals. It states: "No person shall transport or deliver any downed animal within the city of Cincinnati". The only exception is "transporting or delivering a downed animal to a veterinarian for treatment".

Cincinnati's Ordinance was passed in the absence of appropriate federal action to prevent animal suffering and protect human health. Despite widespread instances of downed animal abuse, and in spite of a risk that downed cattle may harbor a variant of Britain's Mad Cow Disease (bovine spongiform encephalopathy or BSE), the USDA still allows these animals to be transported and slaughtered for human food.

Farm Sanctuary is urging other cities to follow Cincinnati's lead and enact ordinances prohibiting the transport of downed animals. Following is the language of Cincinnati's downed animal ordinance (which passed the City Council unanimously):

Cincinnati's Ordinance:

WHEREAS, it is practically impossible to humanely transport downed animals; and

WHEREAS, downed animals pose a threat to human health; now, therefore,

BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the City of Cincinnati, State of Ohio:

(1) No person shall transport or deliver any downed animal within the city of Cincinnati.

(2) It shall be an affirmative defense that anyone charged with violating [this section] was transporting or delivering a downed animal to a veterinarian for treatment.

DEFINITIONS:

"Downed Animal" means any live animal (including cattle, swine, sheep, goats, or equine species) which is unable to stand and walk without assistance.

"Person" means any individual, partnership, firm, joint stock company, corporation, association, trust, estate or other legal entity. The knowledge and actions of persons employed by or agents acting on behalf of corporations or principals shall be imputed to be the knowledge and acts of both the individuals, corporations, and principals.