Bruders Abbatoir, LLC: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2021 (USDA)

313.15(a)(1)

At 0840 hours, while performing HATS Task Category VIII - Stunning Effectiveness, I observed the following noncompliance: An establishment employee positioned himself to stun a beef steer in the restrainer with a hand-held captive bolt device (pistol style). After the stun attempt, the beef steer remained conscious as it moved its head while standing with rhythmic breathing and eye blinking. The establishment employee immediately reloaded the same hand-held captive bolt device and effectively rendered the animal unconscious. I examined the head with hide on and found two stun wounds. Both wounds were center of the forehead 2 inches above center of the line drawn between the eyes. I inspected the head with the hide off and found two entrance wounds. Both wounds were center of the forehead 2 inches above center of the line drawn between the eyes. A verbal regulatory control action was taken, with notification to the establishment, and further stunning was stopped. I informed Plant Manager Mr. Lee Borgerding, of the forthcoming noncompliance record for the failure to meet regulations 9 CFR 313.15(a)(1). This was the first and only animal of the day to be stunned. Further investigation of the stun placement was conducted by Mr. Borgerding and plant employees. Mr. Borgerding then verbally presented corrective actions to IIC that included retraining slaughter employees and practicing stun procedures on discarded heads. No further stunning or slaughter was performed this day.