Farm Compliance

Sacramento, California - Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed AB 2098 by Paul Krekorian (D-Burbank) making it a misdemeanor to buy, sell, process or butcher a non-ambulatory animal for human consumption.

"I am committed to ensuring California's food supply is safe and secure. With today's action, we are strengthening California's food safety laws and sending a message that violating these laws will not be tolerated," Governor Schwarzenegger said.

AB 2098 prohibits the slaughtering of non-ambulatory animals and prohibits any person from selling, consigning, shipping or accepting for shipment non-ambulatory animals. It also allows entities such as stockyards and auctions to provide veterinary care as an alternative to euthanasia.

Meat from non-ambulatory animals can expose consumers to an increased risk from E. Coli, salmonella and mad cow disease. The penalty for a violation of this bill is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail or a fine of up to $20,000 or both.