There's no practical reason why animals can't be killed quickly and painlessly. Anything else is laziness, greed or sadism. Not to mention bad business, as this slaughterhouse is discovering.
As WaPo noted:
One reason that regulations call for keeping downers -- cows that cannot stand up -- out of the food supply is that they may harbor bovine spongiform encephalopathy, or mad cow disease. It is caused by a virus-like infectious particle that can cause a fatal brain disease in people.
Another is because such animals have, in many cases, been wallowing in feces, posing added risks of E. coli and salmonella contamination.
The Humane Society and other groups have for years urged Congress to pass legislation that would tighten oversight at slaughterhouses.
If you think it's all okey-dokey, I recommend you view the following video, although I warn you, it may make you a little sick:
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