To stem the confusion over the new rules, Farmers Forum lists the answers to the most commonly asked questions.

1. If a farmer has a downer animal, can it be slaughtered on the farm for the farmer’s own use or his family’s use?

Yes, but it may only be consumed by the immediate family on the premises.

2. Can a downer animal be sent to a slaughterhouse?

Yes. To send a downer to a slaughterhouse, a farmer must get a certificate from the veterinarian showing that the animal can be humanely transported. The animal will be inspected like the other animals but will go through some tests for diseases.

3. Can the meat be slaughtered on the farm and cut and wrapped at a slaughterhouse?

Yes, but before it is slaughtered it must be inspected by a veterinarian. The carcass must then be inspected at the plant before it may be cut and wrapped. The meat cannot be cut and wrapped at a butcher shop unless it is provincially or federally inspected.

4. What meat can be sold from the farm?