Fallon Livestock Processing, LLC: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2025 Q2 (USDA)

313.16(a)(1)

On 02/11/2025, at approximately 0828 hours, I, CSI REDACTED, and SPHV Dr. REDACTED, observed the following humane handling noncompliance while verifying HATS Category VIII (Stunning Effectiveness) at Fallon Livestock, Establishment M47488: While standing in the designated firearm safety area, I heard the establishment apply a first stun to a large sow (approximately 750 pounds) using the firearm. After the initial shot, I heard the hog vocalizing (squealing) loudly and it remained conscious. Shortly after, I heard the establishment fire a second shotgun round. After the second stun, I observed the Plant Manager open the stun box door where I observed the animal was effectively rendered unconscious. I observed the sow’s head had two entry points, confirming two stunning attempts had occurred. In accordance with 9 CFR 313.50(c), I applied U.S. Rejected Tag #B38460150 to the knock box. I informed the Plant Manager, Mr. REDACTED, of the noncompliance and that the Alameda District Office would be informed through supervisory channels. This is non-compliant with 9 CFR 313.16.(a)(1) because the establishment failed to render the animal unconscious with a single shot from the firearm and with a minimum of excitement and discomfort.

313.2

On February 10, 2025, at approximately 1900 hours, I SPHV Dr. REDACTED was conducting Odd Hour inspections as Establishment M47488 when I observed the following noncompliance with HATS task # III water & feed availability. As I was walking through the pens, I observed that there were 3 hogs being held in pen 2 with a green water container that was tied to the fencing that had been tipped over and emptied. There was a round metal container and a cylinder-shaped plastic container that were both empty. At approximately 1930 hours, I sent Plant Manager REDACTED a text message explaining the above observation and letting him know that I would be issuing a noncompliance under the HATS task for water availability. The above noncompliance will not be associated as there have been no noncompliance’s of similar cause or circumstance issued within the last 90 days. A U.S. reject tag was not applied to the pen due to Mr. REDACTED immediate corrective actions to stop by the establishment to provide water to the hogs. The above is not in compliance with 9 CFR 313.2(e); Per 9 CFR 313.2(e); Animals shall have access to water in all holding pens and, if held longer than 24 hours, access to feed. There shall be sufficient room in the holding pen for animals held overnight to lie down.