Carlson Meat Shop: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2021 (USDA)

313.15(a)(1)

At 1225 hours while performing HATS Task Category VIII - Stunning Effectiveness, I observed the following noncompliance: An establishment employee positioned himself to stun a beef cow in the restrainer with a hand-held captive bolt device. After the stun attempt, the beef cow remained conscious as it moved its head while standing with rhythmic breathing. 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. One wound was center of the forehead 2 inches above center of the line drawn between the eyes, and one was dorsal and one-half inch to the right of the other entrance wound. A verbal regulatory control action was taken with notification to the establishment and further stunning was stopped. I informed Plant Owner, Mr. Joel Inselmann, of the forthcoming noncompliance record for the failure to meet regulations 9 CFR 313.15(a)(1). This was the last animal of the day stunning thus did not resume and no corrective actions were given at this time. Further investigation of the stun placement is being conducted by Joel Inselmann and plant employees. No further stunning will take place until corrective actions are given.