Oregon's Downed Animal Law

In an effort to prevent animal cruelty and human health hazards associated with the marketing and slaughter of downed animals legislators in Oregon enacted 'No Downers' legislation in 2003. Oregon's law states:

AN ACT

Relating to livestock.

Be It Enacted by the People of the State of Oregon:

SECTION 1. { + Section 2 of this 2003 Act is added to and made
a part of ORS 167.310 to 167.350. + }
SECTION 2. { + (1) As used in this section:
(a) 'Nonambulatory' means unable to stand or walk unassisted.
(b) 'Livestock auction market' has the meaning given that term
in ORS 599.205.
(2) A person commits the crime of trading in nonambulatory
livestock if the person knowingly delivers or accepts delivery of
a nonambulatory livestock animal at a livestock auction market.
This subsection does not apply to the delivery to, or acceptance
by, a licensed veterinarian at a livestock auction market for the
purpose of humanely euthanizing or providing appropriate medical
care to the animal.
(3) The crime of trading in nonambulatory livestock is a Class
A misdemeanor. + }

In addition, a provision was added to ORS 167.310 defining minimal treatment standards and requiring that downed animals either be humanely euthanized or provide with veterinary care to be made ambulatory. The law states that 'Minimal care' requires:

For a livestock animal that cannot walk or stand without assistance:
(a) Humane euthanasia; or
(b) The provision of immediate and ongoing care to restore the animal to an ambulatory state