Behavior of Slaughter Plant and Auction Employees Toward the Animals

Abstract

Abuses of animals at auctions and slaughter plants occur often. Commonly observed abuses include the dragging of crippled animals, hitting, and excessive prodding of animals. In both auctions and slaughter plants, employees are under pressure to maintain a steady flow of animals to the auction ring or slaughter lines. In both types of facilities large numbers of animals must be moved rapidly. The purpose of this study was to determine the behavior of people handling livestock in these types of facilities. Observations of the behavior of slaughter plant managers were also made to gain a better understanding of how management behavior affects employee behavior.