The commissioner shall adopt the regulations and amendments of the United States Department of Agriculture Federal Meat Inspection Act, 21 United States Code, Section 601, as amended by the Wholesome Meat Act, as they are pertinent and applicable to this chapter.

§2518.__Humane slaughter; ritual slaughter

It is unlawful to shackle, hoist or otherwise bring animals other than poultry into position for slaughter by a method that causes injury or pain and to bleed or slaughter an animal other than poultry except by a humane method.

The commissioner, after hearing, shall adopt rules governing humane methods of slaughter and may revise rules that conform substantially to the rules and regulations adopted by the Secretary of Agriculture of the United States pursuant to the Federal Humane Methods of Slaughter Act of 1978, 92 Stat. 1069, and any amendments to that act.__The use of a manually operated hammer, sledge or poleax is not considered a humane method of slaughter within the meaning of this chapter.

This chapter may not be construed to prohibit, abridge or in any way hinder the religious freedom of any person or group.__In order to protect freedom of religion, ritual slaughter and the handling or other preparation of livestock for ritual slaughter are exempt from the terms of this chapter.__For the purposes of this section, "ritual slaughter" means slaughter in accordance with the ritual requirements of religious faith.

§2518-A.__Offering or accepting money, gifts or anything of value;

penalties

A person or an agent or employee of a person who gives, pays or offers money, gifts or anything of value, directly or indirectly, to an inspector, deputy inspector, chief inspector or other officer or employee of this State who is authorized to perform the duties prescribed by this chapter or by the rules of the commissioner, with intent to influence the inspector, deputy inspector, chief inspector or other officer or employee of this State in the discharge of a duty provided for, is guilty of a crime punishable by a fine of not less than $5,000 or more than $10,000 and by imprisonment for not less than one year or more than 3 years.__An inspector, deputy inspector, chief inspector or other officer or employee of this State authorized to perform the