Control means (1) for an apparatus for the splitting along the symmetrical plane of slaughtered animals, said apparatus comprising saw blade/splitting knives or saws (5) for the implementation of the symmerical splitting, said control means (1) comprising at least two and substantially identical control elements, a first control element (2) and a second control element (3), said first control element (2) and said second control element (3) being disposed substantially opposite each other, and where each control element (2, 3) comprises a surface (20) for engagement against the spinal column (9) wich comprises spinous processes (4) wholly or partly laid free by a first cutting means. It is hereby achieved that the spinous processes stand immovable, so that the saw blade can engage with the centre of these and carry out a clean cutting of the spinous processes.