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

313.16(a)(1)

On October 8, 2024, at approximately 0920 hours while conducting a HATS task (Stunning Effectiveness), I, CSI REDACTED, observed the following noncompliance. During slaughter of a market size hog, I heard the .410 shotgun caliber rifle fired. I was standing near the restrainer. After the initial shot was fired, I heard the hog vocalizing (screaming) after it was shot. I immediately went inside the restrainer and saw the hog still standing up, and the initial shot had penetrated the head. The hog had a continuous rhythmic breathing and was still conscious. After approximately 20 seconds Plant Manager, REDACTED fired a second shot. The second stunning attempt rendered the hog unconscious immediately. In accordance with 9 CFR 313.50(c), I took regulatory control action and applied U.S. Reject tag No. B19416900 to the restrainer and informed Mr. REDACTED of the noncompliance. Upon examination of the head after it had been skinned, there were two penetrating holes in the forehead. The first hole was approximately a quarter inch to the right below the center of the skull. The second hole was in the middle of the forehead. This is non-compliant with Title 9 CFR 313.16(a)(1) which states, “The firearms shall be employed in the delivery of a bullet or projectile into the animal in accordance with this section so as to produce immediate unconsciousness in the animal by a single shot before it is shackled, hoisted, thrown, cast, or cut. The animal shall be shot in such a manner that they will be rendered unconscious with a minimum of excitement and discomfort.”