The Humane Society of the United States welcomed news from Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer that the USDA will implement a ban on slaughter for human consumption of cattle unable to stand and walk unassisted.

"This is long-anticipated but welcome news," said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The HSUS. "For too long, sick and crippled animals have been allowed into the food supply, putting consumers at risk and subjecting injured and sick animals to needless torment."

"This loophole contributed to the unacceptable abuses we documented at the Hallmark slaughter plant, leading to the nation's largest meat recall in history and affecting schoolchildren in 47 states."

"I commend Secretary Schafer for closing the downer loophole," Pacelle continued. "FSIS inspectors should immediately modify their practices on the ground and not wait for the new rule to be in place. We hope the USDA broadens the rule to include auction houses, to require immediate euthanasia of downers and to apply the rule to pigs and other livestock, not just cattle."

See the footage that led to the ban.

Read Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer's Announcement