diff --git a/code/datums/components/butchering.dm b/code/datums/components/butchering.dm
index eee8ca18c59..9e118edea42 100644
--- a/code/datums/components/butchering.dm
+++ b/code/datums/components/butchering.dm
@@ -37,6 +37,8 @@
 /datum/component/butchering/proc/onItemAttack(obj/item/source, mob/living/M, mob/living/user)
 	SIGNAL_HANDLER
 
+	if(!user.combat_mode)
+		return
 	if(M.stat == DEAD && (M.butcher_results || M.guaranteed_butcher_results)) //can we butcher it?
 		if(butchering_enabled && (can_be_blunt || source.get_sharpness()))
 			INVOKE_ASYNC(src, .proc/startButcher, source, M, user)