Donald's Meat Processing, LLC: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2025 Q1 (USDA)

313.16(a)(1)

On Wednesday, November 27th, 2024, at approximately 8:12am. While performing HATS category VIII, stunning effectiveness, and category IX, consciousness on the rail, of a directed Livestock Humane Handling Task in response to an enforcement action, IIC REDACTED observed the following noncompliance. REDACTED, kill floor supervisor, moved a heifer into the knock box. Once the animal was in the knock box, Mr. REDACTED restrained the heifer using the head catch to minimize the movement of the beef. Mr. REDACTED waited for the heifer to become stationary to allow for the correct stunning placement. Mr. REDACTED took a shot with the .45 caliber pistol. The beef bellowed and remained standing. Mr. REDACTED immediately reloaded the same .45 caliber pistol and took a second shot. The second attempt was successful, and the beef dropped and was rolled out of the knock box. Mr. REDACTED and Humane Handling Coordinator REDACTED checked for signs of consciousness. Mr. REDACTED proceeded to stick the heifer with a knife to bleed out. The animal remained unconscious through the sticking, shackling, and bleeding process. IIC REDACTED asked Mrs. REDACTED if the first attempt made contact with the beef. Mrs. REDACTED asked Mr. REDACTED exactly the reason for the two shots. Mr. REDACTED stated the heifer moved her head as he went to take the first shot, causing the incorrect stunning placement. Mrs. REDACTED stated because of this they did not feel it was necessary to change guns because it was not due to a malfunction of the gun. IIC REDACTED called SPHV REDACTED at approximately 8:16am regarding the ineffective stun. After discussing the incident, IIC REDACTED notified Mrs. REDACTED that this would most likely result in an NR but would await correlation with the district office. The establishment is currently operating under a consent order and has a detailed written slaughter and humane handling SOP. Mr. REDACTED followed protocol using the correct firearm and same gun when he determined the ineffective stun was due to the beef throwing its head back at the last second, not allowing for the correct placement to be made by the bullet. SPHV REDACTED notified IIC REDACTED at approximately 8:44am that Raleigh District Office DVMS Dr. REDACTED confirmed it will be a noncompliance. REDACTED, kill floor supervisor, and REDACTED, plant manager and Humane Handling Coordinator were both verbally notified of this noncompliance.