Ebels Family Center, Inc.: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2021 (USDA)

313.1,313.2

At approximately 0700 on Thursday 07/01/2021 in the barn/holding pens, the following noncompliant condition was observed: HATS Category V: Suspect and Disabled Livestock A disabled bovine was observed to be placed in a pen with five other bovines, even though the establishment knew the animal was not sound. The establishment does not have a dedicated suspect pen and had no open pens to keep any suspect or disabled animals. The bovine in question was ambulatory, however was not able to easily stand from a recumbent position. Also, even though the animal was in a corner of the pen it was observed being stepped on by the other animals in the pen. No animals were observed being driven or pushed over the recumbent animal. The establishment knew the animal was not sound as it was down in the trailer upon delivery and walked poorly when it was unloaded into the establishment; additionally the unloading notebook had the animal labeled as “bad front legs.” This is a violation of 9 CFR 313.2(d)(1) which states that disabled animals shall be separated from normal ambulatory animals. HATS Category VII: Slips and Falls At approximately 0705 IPP informed REDACTED, barn manager, that the disabled animal mentioned above needed to be separated from the other cattle. Since it was the start of slaughter operations, it was decided that those animals in the pen would be slaughtered first and would be run up the chute to the stunning area. While attempting to move the animals out and away from the disabled bovine, two of the other animals spun quickly and fell, both landing on their right shoulder and neck area. The pens have grooved floors, but the grooves are only cut in one direction, allowing feet to slip if they are going parallel to the grooves. The pen had some manure build-up, approximately 1-2 inches deep. This is a violation of 9 CFR 313.1(b). Neither of the above listed conditions were viewed as egregious in nature, no regulatory control actions were taken. Animals were moved and the issues were corrected under direct IPP supervision. REDACTED was informed of the above noncompliant conditions and was informed that a noncompliance record would be issued. Continued failure to meet regulatory requirements may result in enforcement actions as described in 9 CFR 500.4