Big Sky Processing, LLC: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2025 Q1 (USDA)

313.1

Humane Handling Task, HATS Task Category III: Water and Feed Availability On 11/27/2024, at approximately 0630 hours, FSIS Inspection Personnel conducted a Humane Handling Verification Task of the livestock located in the outside pens that are located west of the main building of EST #46090 and the following noncompliance was observed: Outside animal holding pen “USDA Suspect” that was open to the ally, contained 3 Sheep; FSIS IPP observed that the water tubs in pen had water, but the top layer was frozen approximately 1⁄2 inch thick. There was a 45 -gallon water tank that was 1⁄4 full and 20-gallon tub 1⁄2 full of frozen water, leaving the animals with no access to water. During inspection the outside temperature was approximately 22 degrees Fahrenheit. FSIS IPP returned inside and located an establishment employee. IPP informed the employee the animals did not have access to water as the water was ice in both tubs. The establishment immediately checked the level of Ice by breaking holes in the surface of the 45-gallon tub, allowing water to come through the surface. A heater was placed in the tank by approximately 730 hours to prevent further freezing. I verbally notified plant manager she was in violation of 9 CFR 313.2(e) states; "animals shall have access to water in all holding pens ". The Denver District Veterinary Medical Specialist was notified through supervisory channels. There have been no noncompliance records written for the same root cause in the past 90 days. This establishment operates under a robust systematic approach to the humane handling of livestock. Plant management was verbally informed of the noncompliance and again in writing with the issuance of this noncompliance record.