Animal Law Review
First Page
49
Abstract
The nature of animal agriculture in the United States is heavily industrialized and profit-centered. Industrial animal agriculture maximizes profits and production by employing low-wage workers to do significant loads of labor. Slaughterhouses’ implementation of faster line speeds reflects this tactic. As the industry continues to increase line speeds to boost profits, workers, animals, and the environment continue to face augmented risks to their health and safety. Nonetheless, slaughterhouse line speeds at the federal level remain largely un- and under-regulated. The current federal regulatory scheme is unduly influenced by industry interests, prioritizes profit over safety, and lacks effective enforcement mechanisms. Through exploring the dangers of ever-increasing line speeds and why past attempts at regulation have failed, this article argues for the incorporation of market-based incentives in line speed regulation to encourage industry compliance and self-enforcement.
Recommended Citation
Kailey McNeal,
A Market-Based Approach to Effective Slaughterhouse Line Speed Regulation,
31
Animal L. Rev.
49
(2025).
Available at:
https://lawcommons.lclark.edu/alr/vol31/iss1/2
Included in
Administrative Law Commons, Agriculture Law Commons, Animal Law Commons, Food and Drug Law Commons, Labor and Employment Law Commons