HUMANE HANDLING: 

Consciousness and Stunning 

This training covers establishment and Inspection Program 

Personnel (IPP) Humane Handling (HH) responsibilities related 

to animal consciousness and stunning, including relevant 

scenarios. It is mandatory for all IPP in livestock establishments. 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WELCOME! 

After completing this course, you will be able to: 

-Differentiate between unconscious and conscious animals 

- Identify when to take regulatory actions 

LESSON 1: 

DETERMINING CONSCIOUSNESS 

Definitions 

Before you continue in the course, it’s important to make sure you understand exactly what we mean 

when we say the following words/phrases. 

Unconscious 

Not awake or aware; not able to respond to 

stimuli; not able to respond to environment. 

Unconscious = Insensible. 

Conscious 

Awake or aware; able to respond to stimuli; able to 

respond to environment. Conscious = Sensible. 

Stunning 

The action of causing unconsciousness in an 

animal; performed by one of the four approved 

methods: 1. Chemical - Carbon Dioxide (9 CFR 

313.5), 2. Mechanical - Captive Bolt (9 CFR 

313.15), 3. Gunshot (9 CFR 313.16), 4. Electrical -

Electric current (9 CFR 313.30) 

Notes: 

Stunning only religious exemption applies 

to establishments operating under a IF they 

utilize stunning as part of their process. 

Stunning effectiveness isn’t just dependent 

on the number of attempts. Rather, it 

depends on the animal remaining 

unconscious throughout shackling, sticking, 

and bleeding. 

For example: If the animal is stunned but 

does not remain unconscious through 

shackling/sticking/bleeding, and a second 

stun is required to make the animal 

unconscious, this is an egregious event 

even though it was only one additional 

stun. This is egregious inhumane treatment 

under the definition of "stunning of 

animals and then allowing them to regain 

consciousness." 

1 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effective Stun 

Successfully making and keeping an animal unconscious throughout shackling, sticking, and 

bleeding. Effective stunning results in an unconscious animal. 

Ineffective Stun Attempt 

A stunning attempt that contacts the animal but does not make the animal unconscious. 

Missed Stun 

Missing the animal by not making contact (also referred to as a miss) although not considered a 

stunning attempt it may be considered in the event of an ineffective stun followed by a missed 

attempt when determining egregious status. 

Security Stun 

Also sometimes called a Safety Stun, Assurance Stun, or Double Stun. This is an extra stun on an 

animal that was already rendered insensible by the first stun attempt. It is applied at the discretion of 

the establishment (can be applied at any time). If the animal remains conscious after the first stun, 

the next attempt is NOT a security stun (it is a follow-up stun attempt)! By definition, any stun 

applied to a conscious animal cannot be a Security Stun. 

Immediate, Effective Corrective Action 

A plant employee instantly makes an ineffectively stunned animal unconscious without hesitation or 

being instructed by IPP, with an immediately available back-up stunning device. This is not defined 

by a specific elapsed time. The corrective action must be timely and effective in rendering the animal 

unconscious. Consider access to the animal, animal movement, and adequate placement of stunning 

device. 

Humane Handling 

Handling and slaughter practices that cause a minimum of excitement, pain, injury, or discomfort to 

livestock. 

Hoisting 

The process whereby an animal after it is shackled, is raised, usually from a lying position, and 

suspended by a leg or legs. 

Regulatory Control Action (RCA) 

The retention of product, rejection of equipment or facilities, slowing or stopping of lines, or refusal 

to allow the processing of specifically identified product (9 CFR 500.1(a)). 

2 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shackling 

Livestock are shackled when a device (e.g., rope, chain) used to hoist the animal has been placed 

around the animal’s leg, even if the device has not been drawn tight. 

Suitable Restraint 

Establishment-provided restraints, in the opinion of IPP, capable of effectively restraining livestock 

(including disabled livestock when necessary) and preventing injuries to Agency personnel when 

performing ante-mortem inspection and stunning procedures. This includes inspections when 

conducted on a transport vehicle. 

Menace Response 

The reflex blinking that occurs at the rapid approach of an object 

Helpful Acronyms: 

AC – Alternating Current IPP – Inspection Program Personnel 

AMS – Animal Welfare Requirements IPPS – In-Plant Performance System 

APHIS – Animal and Plant Health Inspection MOI – Memorandum of Interview 

Service 

AVIC – Area Veterinarian-In-Charge NAD – Non-Ambulatory Disabled 

BSE – Bovine Spongiform NC – Noncompliance 

Encephalopathy 

CFR – Code of Federal Regulations NOIE – Notice of Intended Enforcement 

CO2 – Carbon Dioxide NOS – Notice of Suspension 

DDM – Deputy District Manager NR – Noncompliance Record 

DM – District Manager NSLP – National School Lunch Program 

DO – District Office OFO – Office of Field Operations 

DOS – Denial of Service PHIS – Public Health Information System 

DVMS – District Veterinary Medical Specialist PHV – Public Health Veterinarian 

FLS – Frontline Supervisor RCA – Regulatory Control Action 

FMIA – Federal Meat Inspection Act RSA – Robust Systematic Approach 

FRN – Federal Register Notice SA – Systematic Approach 

FSIS – Food Safety and Inspection Service SPHV – Supervisory Public Health 

Veterinarian 

HATS – Humane Handling Activities Tracking USC – United States Code 

System 

HIKE – Humane Interactive Knowledge USDA – United States Department of 

Exchanges Agriculture 

HMSA – Humane Methods of Slaughter VS – Veterinary Services 

Act 

IIC – Inspector-In-Charge 

3 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Egregious Inhumane Treatment Definition 

Egregious inhumane treatment: An egregious situation is an act or condition that results in severe 

harm to animals, for example: 

1. Making cuts on or skinning conscious animals; 

2. Excessive beating or prodding of ambulatory or nonambulatory disabled animals or dragging 

of conscious animals; 

3. Driving animals off semi-trailers over a drop off without providing adequate unloading 

facilities (animals are falling to the ground); 

4. Running equipment over conscious animals; 

5. Stunning of animals and then allowing them to regain consciousness; 

6. Failing to immediately (or promptly) render an animal unconscious after a failed initial 

stunning attempt (i.e., no planned corrective actions); 

7. Multiple ineffective stun attempts (2 or more) that are due to one or more of the following 

establishment failures to properly handle or stun the animal: 

a. Failure to immediately (or promptly) apply the corrective actions that demonstrates a 

blatant disregard for animal discomfort and excitement; 

b. Failure to adequately restrain an animal; 

c. Failure to use adequate stunning methods (e.g., inadequate air pressure, inadequate 

caliber, insufficient electric current) for the animal being stunned (e.g., species of 

animal, size of animal, etc.); 

d. Poorly trained/untrained operator or inexperienced operator; or 

e. Prolonged discomfort and excitement of the animal due to the inability to render it 

insensible/unconscious after the application of the immediate (or prompt) corrective 

actions. 

8. Dismembering conscious animals, for example, cutting off ears or removing feet; 

9. Leaving disabled livestock exposed to adverse climate conditions while awaiting disposition; 

or 

10. Otherwise causing unnecessary pain and suffering to animals, including situations on trucks. 

4 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signs of Consciousness 

After an animal is stunned, look to see whether the stun was effective or ineffective. 

In other words, look to see whether the stunning resulted in an unconscious animal or a conscious 

animal. 

What are the 

hallmark signs of

a conscious 

animal? 

Signs of a conscious animal 

• Stands intentionally or remains standing after a 

stunning attempt 

• Eye tracking and/or reacting to surroundings 

• Righting reflex 

• +/- Vocalization 

Signs of an unconscious animal 

• Collapses or falls after being stunned 

• No eye tracking/ reactions to surroundings 

• Floppy ears, head, and neck 

• Limp tail 

• No menace response 

What are the 

hallmark signs of

an unconscious 

animal? 

Note: Some properly stunned animals may make some noises such as snoring type breaths or 

groans due to being relaxed, having stomach gas escape, or the last dying breaths etc. and these 

noises may be mistaken as vocalizations. The tail may reflexively move from side to side, but 

movement isn't controlled. 

Also, side to side movement of the head is not the same as a true righting reflex. 

Watch long enough to determine if the animal actually has become conscious. 

What About These Other Signs? 

What do these signs indicate? 

• Rhythmic breathing 

• Eye reflex in response to mechanical (touch) stimulus 

• Spontaneous natural eye blinks without touching the eye or eye area (in isolated cases) 

Check your answers on the next page. 

5 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What About These Signs? Answer 

Rhythmic breathing, eye reflex in response to mechanical (touch) stimulus, and spontaneous natural 

eye blinks without touching the eye or eye area (in isolated cases) are signs that tell you to pay close 

attention. 

Observation of these signs should not automatically result in taking a regulatory control action. 

These signs trigger further evaluation to determine if the animal is conscious. 

However, they are not, in and of themselves, a definitive determination that the animal is conscious 

and able to feel pain. Look for the presence of the hallmark signs of consciousness as well. 

What else should you consider? 

Remember to assess all signs of consciousness! 

If an animal shows one or more of the following signs, while lacking one or more of the 3 hallmark 

signs of a conscious animal, it is NOT conscious: 

• Involuntary and rapid back and forth eye motion 

• Brief irregular, normal or rapid breathing (rib cage moves in-and-out without significant 

pause) 

The establishment should make the determination whether an animal exhibiting these signs after a 

stun should receive a security stun from an establishment operator to stop the basic brain function, 

eliminate signs, and prevent any return to sensibility. FSIS should monitor to ensure the animal does 

not return to consciousness. 

Note: IPP do not instruct the establishment operator to take any specific action. We should notify 

them of our observations but let them determine how to address the situation. 

If the animals return to sensibility, by FSIS definition, that is an egregious event. 

6 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Scenario 1 

Read the scenario, then consider the questions below using the information you have. 

You observe a cow on the rail 

with no righting reflex (i.e., no 

attempt for it to arch its back 

and lift its head), no eye 

tracking, and with floppy 

ears, head, and neck. 

Is this animal conscious? 

What evidence supports your determination? 

Check your answers below. 

Scenario 1 Answers 

Is this animal conscious? 

• No. This animal is unconscious. 

What evidence supports your determination? 

• The animal has floppy ears, head, and neck, and a hanging tongue. There are no signs of 

consciousness such as a righting reflex, vocalization, or eye tracking. 

• Note: A hanging tongue helps to determine if the animal is unconscious but if it is not 

present it does not indicate the animal is conscious but rather the tongue may be stuck in the 

mouth. 

Scenario 1 Takeaway 

Key point: You need to watch long enough to determine whether an animal is: 

• Unconscious, or 

• Conscious. 

Why? 

• You should only take a regulatory control action when an animal is conscious after a stun 

attempt. 

7 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Knowledge Check Questions 

1) Which of the following signs should trigger further evaluation, but does not, in and of itself, 

indicate the animal is conscious? 

a. Righting reflex 

b. Spontaneous natural eye blinks 

c. Eye tracking 

d. Vocalization 

2) Which of the following signs indicates a pig that was stunned with CO2 is conscious? 

a. Eye tracking 

b. Rhythmic breathing 

c. Agonal gasping 

d. Floppy head, neck and tail 

3) Which of the following is one of the possible signs that may indicate an animal is 

unconscious? 

a. Vocalization 

b. Righting reflex 

c. Eye tracking 

d. Floppy head 

Check your answers in Appendix A. 

8 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LESSON 2: 

WHEN TO TAKE ACTION 

Overview 

Now that you’ve reviewed how to determine consciousness, let’s discuss what actions you should 

take! 

(If possible) Review the resources before continuing: 

Humane Slaughter of Livestock Regulations (9 CFR 313): 

https://usda.courseavenue.com/ClientAssets/Shared/MediaLibrary/Lib_1022/00061383.PDF 

FSIS Directive 6900.2 Revision 2: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media_file/2021-

03/6900.2.pdf 

When Do You Take Action? 

Use the Humane Handling Stun Algorithm flowchart (on the next two pages or here) to determine 

what should happen in the following scenarios: 

• Scenario 1: The first stun renders the animal insensible to pain. 

• Scenario 2: The first stun does not render the animal insensible and the establishment takes 

immediate and effective correction action to render the animal insensible to pain. 

• Scenario 3: The first stun does not render the animal insensible to pain, the establishment’s 

corrective actions are not effective and/or immediate. 

Check your answers on page 12. 

9 
umane Ha1ndUng Stunning lnfographic 

Is the ftrst stun attempt effective at rendering the animal unconscious? 

I I 

Yes No 

Com i.1 t [no, ~ ion nee anCD ali· ~ 

I 

Does the establishment immediately and effectii,ely render the animal unconscioLrS on the second 

attempt? 

I I 

Yes No 

No greg·ou;; nOl"lcompli' 

.,ue NR 

w Di:mkt .;nd/or ~_ry- ·a.nee 

"1'0tm'~t:k•n ~ ~ ., -o: H N . 

5..-q:, ... ,d ehe ·,rn;a Office 001 

'!nrougn ;fOCJ,T n.1,01!:~JY 01'.IU'l. &, -~ 

·ro d.;;o..,i:..r; f lk,.,•fog lalemOfl, . 

I 

If you can an;;wer uy,es· to any of the qwestions below, it would be an egregious 

noncompliance which wou Id result in an H H NR and fi.Il1tJer enfo1t:.ement action (N 05/NOI E) 

isrued by the DO. 

I 

ito invncdi t>!:ly er p otly) ;;p,aly cora-ed!i .ad!iOl"li: deman~c ,a l-,t.int i;~a 

rt .1nd excitemer,t? 

·• mi!!nt· • ~ m aide ..t>!:ly re;:tr.iin "th e 

rne nt: •- ~ tD ui.e .~ua':J!: ing1. i; (e ..g., in;;,dc,qua':J!: .1· prei..ul"!!: an .a 

. It de.... u:._t>!: c:ilibe,- of fire· or c~ ~ dl!:'r.'ic:e, in.!..I C}Blt e dric 

a.1 n e lectri · Cl!: .ite: C~ CO"noentr. .nimal ,pe:ciei: a. 

; · d1 

untr.iincd, or inl!:Xperi - .it rn.iningl 

· e d 1ocomf01'1l: .1nd ~t due: m ::he: in:._oility of "th e 

i:D a,ui; -&er ::he ·o ic;rnon of "the ineB",ecf imm .it,:: [or '°" p• 

o:11'1"1!:ctive .1ctian1o? 

''.'di~e .inw.,en ye1: to "the ' llawin,g =· n;; •Y not rl!: t in egrl!:gioui; nan i;;n ce, they ;me -'!ill 

im .nt er: 

Doe. "th e 51:.b ·hmer,t : p 1anned o:11'1"1!:ctive .1ctian1o? 

a i..hme nt do . ,II they d v.ne n .ttem · ito ,.;run ::he .1 • .nd 

ly ia:w d • im al. 

I I 

Yes No 

Far~rl!:g·a.u, n□ nc.'Ol'T\oli.i ce, CO" t.;rt ::he 00 

)'DUr · loOI}' ch·.- fur gui i:: an i.1nce 

e nfo-=t · .icmOl"I (NOSINOIEJ .ind ii..!..I. cc of 

.an NR. 

Mo.re · fu.nnaoo r, an ·the fdbwing page. 

F-o w Drrnict -o~ Sup!!M:.-o,y 91.i 

~:!:iOfl .nd ~l.,l;lnce of 

1 

10 
(No ice 

NO IE (Notice 

, ) = I , m ediate 51Uspen · n witho urt: p ior no iflc:ati 

Enfo rc.eme t) = w· ho ldi • g actio p ior notiflc.:ati 

e · · . · yst roa to 

ma' e hand i g · n , a ic. b io e I IC. P • FL.S. 

a d D · . S. The fa 11ow· g u: on s e 

• Is t e esta l"shme11t oper- ·ng u der a 

animals as dete mi . e,d by 'line IIC a d D · 

ust sy s.te , a 

S? 

approac uma e h- n ling of 

• Is t e esta I" me11t ,dem onstrati g the r ustness e program to I PP by effectively a· 

consistently imp eme ,ing all aspects its program? 

• Does the esta li shm t ave a goo ce with the 1,.1m a . e - n ling 

rre,gU1l:at· ns? 

• Does the esta I" m t ave rreoe 

• Is a su sio warra ted to prevent: in 1,.1m a 

• Does the egr 

wel ru 

p l"-nce rre resen 

co . tinu i g? 

a oma ly i a o erwise 

o ·scuss ,delay sio w· e DO (i.e .• o ·s.t · M a - ger) supe ·so,y ch - i of 

com e ··01 low·i g 9 estio · y es: 

• Wi I a · ediate sl..ll5pensfon a ,·on rresult: in i u ane treatme , of add" ional anim als 

(e.g .• I ine sto pa e that ay 1resu1lt in im a Is avin g , stay n a d ri . g a e.x:tn ely 

ot ,day)? or o,e informat· n. ·~·ew page 18 of S.15 D irectio' 6900.2 Re,v:isio 3. 

Remember to consult with your 5upervisory chain of command or DVMS for 

further instruction and guidance when you have a situation that fails under 

this 5,ect1on! 

11 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When Do You Take Action? Answers 

Scenario 1: The first stun renders the animal insensible to pain. 

• This is compliant. No action taken. 

Scenario 2: The first stun does not render the animal insensible and the establishment takes 

immediate and effective correction action to render the animal insensible to pain. 

• This is a non-egregious noncompliance. 

• Issue a Humane Handling NR. 

Scenario 3: The first stun does not render the animal insensible to pain, the establishment’s 

corrective actions are not effective and/or immediate. 

• This is an egregious noncompliance 

• Issue a Humane Handling NR and further enforcement action (NOS/NOIE) issued by the 

District Office. 

When Do You Take Action? "What If..." 

What if a missed stunning attempt causes excessive excitement and discomfort to the animal? 

Do you take any action even though the stunning attempt missed the animal? 

• Yes, a missed stunning attempt resulting in excessive excitement, discomfort, or injury is 

noncompliant with regulation 9 CFR 313.2 and the appropriate stunning regulation. 

• 9 CFR 313.5(a)(1) – The animals shall be exposed to the carbon dioxide gas in a way that will 

accomplish the anesthesia quickly and calmly, with a minimum of excitement and discomfort 

to the animals. 

• 9 CFR 313.15(a)(1) – The animals shall be stunned in such a manner that they will be 

rendered unconscious with a minimum of excitement and discomfort. 

• 9 CFR 313.16(a)(1) – The animal shall be shot in such a manner that they will be rendered 

unconscious with a minimum of excitement and discomfort. 

• 9 CFR 313.30(a)(1) – They shall be exposed to the electric current in a way that will 

accomplish the desired result quickly and effectively, with a minimum of excitement and 

discomfort. 

What if the first stunning attempt is successful and the animal is unconscious, but then the 

animal regains consciousness and the establishment administers an additional stun successfully? 

Do you need to take action in this situation? 

• Yes, you need to take action. This is egregious, even with only one additional stun. In this 

situation, follow the steps in FSIS Directive 6900.2 Revision 3, Chapter V, Section III – Inhumane Slaughter or Handling of An Egregious Nature. 

12 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Scenario 2 

Read the scenario, then consider the questions below using the information you have. 

You observe a hog that has been 

hoisted and stuck. You observe it 

has conscious eye movement 

(eye tracking), a natural blink, 

and appearsto be tossing its 

head. The hog is vocalizing. 

Is this animal conscious? What evidence supports your determination? Can you take an action? 

Check your answers below. 

Scenario 2 Answers 

Is this animal conscious? What evidence supports your determination? 

• Yes, this animal shows conscious eye movement (eye tracking) and vocalization which are 

hallmark signs of consciousness. In addition, it appears to be tossing its head in a controlled 

manner and reacting to its environment. 

Can you take an action? 

• This is egregious because the animal is conscious after it has been shackled, hoisted, and 

stuck for bleeding. 

• Notify the establishment employee that the animal is conscious so that he/she can take 

appropriate action. 

• You need to take an RCA, inform the DVMS/DO following the appropriate chain of 

command, and document the incident in an NR. It is important that your response is timely 

and follows the directions in FSIS Directive 6900.2. 

13 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Scenario 2 Takeaway 

Key point: In cases of egregious violations: 

• Take an RCA, 

• Immediately notify the DO through the appropriate chain of command, 

• Follow the directions in FSIS Directive 6900.2, and 

• Document the incident in an NR and send to the DVMS/DO. 

The DM will determine what enforcement action is needed. The following are to be considered in 

the correlation: 

• Whether the establishment is operating under a robust systematic approach for humane 

handling of animals as determined by the IIC and the DVMS, per Chapter IV, II, F and G; 

• Whether the establishment has demonstrated the robustness of the program to IPP by 

effectively and consistently implementing all aspects of its program; 

• The establishment's history of compliance as indicated by the number of NRs or 

noncompliance reports related to humane handling regulatory requirements; 

• Whether the establishment has recent humane handling enforcement actions; 

• Whether a suspension action is necessary to prevent inhumane handling from continuing; 

and 

• Whether the egregious noncompliance represents a rare finding or an anomaly in an 

otherwise well-functioning system. 

Scenario 3 

Read the scenario, then consider the questions below using the information you have. 

You observe a hog that has 

been stunned once. It is 

blinking. An establishment 

employee administers a 

second stun and then the 

animal kicks/thrashes. 

What signs do you see in this scenario? 

Can you take a regulatory action? 

Check your answers on the next page. 

14 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Scenario 3 Answers 

What signs do you see in this scenario? 

• This animal shows signs, such as blinking and gasping, that should prompt you to pay close 

attention for the hallmark signs of consciousness. 

• Note: Verify unconsciousness until death through the processes of hoisting, shackling, 

sticking, and bleeding. 

Can you take a regulatory action? 

• Based on the information you have; you cannot take a regulatory control action. However, 

this may be a good situation to discuss with establishment management during a weekly 

meeting. 

• Note: IPP do not instruct the establishment operator to take any specific action. We should 

notify them of our observations but let them determine how to address the situation. 

Scenario 3 Takeaway 

Key point: Based on the limited information you have, you should not take a regulatory action in 

this scenario. 

• However, this may be a good situation to discuss with establishment management during a 

weekly meeting. 

• Discuss what was seen, actions taken by the establishment (did they find the animal or did 

we), and what they did to determine if there was an issue with stunning effectiveness (e.g., 

maybe it was CO2 stunned and the concentration of gas was low). 

• Document observations and discussion with establishment management in a HH MOI for a 

non-regulatory concern. 

15 
 

 

 

 

Knowledge Check Questions 

1) In which of the following situations should you take a regulatory action? 

a. A stunned animal shows some signs of returning to consciousness, but does not 

become conscious, and is re-stunned by the establishment. 

b. An animal is stunned with minimum of excitement and discomfort. 

c. A stunned animal shows signs of returning to consciousness, then regains 

consciousness and one additional stun is performed by establishment employees. 

d. In all of the above situations. 

2) What action should you take when an animal shows signs of concern but is not conscious? 

a. Watch for the hallmark signs of consciousness through hoisting, shackling, sticking, 

and bleeding 

b. Take an enforcement action 

c. No action is required 

d. Administer a second stun yourself 

Check your answers in Appendix A. 

16 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REVIEW & KEY TAKEAWAYS 

Watch long enough to determine whether an animal is unconscious or conscious. 

Only take a regulatory control action when: 

• An animal remains consciousness after an ineffective stun. 

• An animal returns to consciousness after an effective stun. 

Resources 

For more information on Humane Handling, please visit the Humane Handling site: 

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/inspection/compliance-guidance/humane-handling 

For more information or assistance on Humane Handling, please visit 

the Humane Handling Ombudsman site: 

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/inspection/inspection-programs/inspectionmeat-products/humane-handling-ombudsman 

To review nationwide enforcement actions, please visit the Humane 

Handling Enforcement site: 

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/inspection/regulatory-enforcement/humanhandling-enforcement 

To review the FSIS Directive 6900.2: 

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media_file/2020-07/6900.2.pdf 

Congratulations! 

You have completed the 

Humane Handling: Consciousness 

and Stunning course! 

17 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

APPENDIX A: ANSWERS TO KNOWLEDGE CHECK QUESTIONS 

Lesson One: 

1) A - Righting reflex: Righting reflex, eye tracking, and conscious vocalization are all signs of 

consciousness. Spontaneous natural eye blinking should trigger further evaluation of the 

animal. You need to watch long enough to determine if the animal regains consciousness. 

2) A - Eye tracking: A Floppy head, neck, and tail are not signs of consciousness. Rhythmic 

breathing may be a sign that prompts you to pay close attention, but does not necessarily 

mean the animal is conscious. If you see this, you should evaluate further for signs of 

consciousness. Agonal gasping may occur in unconscious pigs that have been stunned with 

CO2 (or electrical stunning). Conscious eye movement is a sign of consciousness. However, 

you should also look for the other hallmark signs of consciousness when making your 

determination (i.e., righting reflex, reaction to surroundings, stands intentionally). 

3) D - Floppy Head: When determining sensibility, look for the absence of the 3 hallmark 

signs that an animal is conscious. The animal should not stand intentionally after the 

stunning attempt, show a righting reflect, vocalize, exhibit eye tracking, or react to its 

surrounding. Floppy ears, neck, and head indicate the animal is unconscious and is not one 

of the hallmark signs of consciousness. 

Lesson Two: 

1) C - A stunned animal shows signs of returning to consciousness, then regains 

consciousness and one additional stun is performed by establishment employees: 

This would be considered egregious and IPP should follow directions of FSIS Directive 

6900.2 Rev. 3. 

2) A - Watch for the hallmark signs of consciousness through hoisting, shackling, 

sticking, and bleeding: IPP do not instruct the establishment operator to take any specific 

action. We should notify them of our observations, but let them determine how to address 

the situation. 

18