GALVINELL MEAT CO., INC: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2021 (USDA)

313.16(a)(1)

On Thursday July 29, 2021 at approximately 07:10 am, while observing the stunning process being performed on the kill floor, Food Inspector, REDACTED observed the following: The establishment’s first animal to be slaughtered for the day was an approximately 1400lb steer and was described as having excited bull-like tendencies when entering the knocking box. Mr. REDACTED, Galvinells shooting operator, initially fired a .9mm pistol which delivered a shot to the skull of the steer. The animal did not render unconscious and remained standing. Inspector REDACTED then observed the plant employee immediately grab a .45 caliber firearm and fired a second shot. The steer appeared to have responded to the shot and immediately fell to the floor indicating unconsciousness and showing no signs of discomfort. However, the eyes of the steer began to move side to side. At that time, the shooting operator announced that he was taking another shot. He retrieved his personal .9mm that was readily available and immediately fired the third and final shot and the animal appeared completely unconscious and remained in that state until it was shackled and hoisted up for the kill cut. I, CSI REDACTED, was patrolling the area, when I had heard all three shots administered to the animal. I immediately went to the kill floor and observed the carcass of the livestock being bleed out. I approached the shooting operator to confirm the three shots and he affirmed. After speaking with Inspector REDACTED of the incident and observing the skull for bullet holes, I, and Inspector REDACTED observed one hole to be left of center and two holes center. I then informed the shooting operator that I would be issuing a noncompliance report because the first shot was not sufficient to render the animal insensible. I then immediately went to the establishments office and spoke to the official office personnel, Ms. REDACTED, to also inform her of the noncompliance. This noncompliance is non-egregious in nature. Establishment employees followed established protocol procedures based on the establishments written robust systematic approach. The above observance is noncompliance with 9 CFR 313.16(a)(1) which states: "(a) Utilization of firearms, required effect; handling. (1) 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."

313.16(a)(3)

On April 29, 2021 at approximately 1104 hours, while verifying the effectiveness of the stunning process being performed on the Kill Floor, Food Inspector REDACTED made the following observations: The establishment’s last animal to be slaughtered for the day was a highly excitable steer weighing approximately 1100lbs. After the animal was driven into the knock box, one of the Kill Floor employees shot the steer with the .22 magnum designated for stunning. Initially the stun shot appeared to be effective since the steer dropped to the floor and displayed no eye movement or other signs of consciousness. However, as the animal was being drug out of the knock box by its right front leg, its eyes began to blink. After being notified that the animal was returning to consciousness, the original shooter immediately retrieved the .22 magnum and delivered another shot to the appropriate stunning location; the middle of the steer's forehead. Once again the animal appeared to be adequately stunned, so the employees let down the front leg and began to shackle the back legs for hoisting. It was then that the animal began blinking its eyes again and attempted to roll over to right itself. The original shooter then shot the animal with the establishment owner’s 9mm but the animal continued to blink its eyes and continued attempting to right itself. The other Kill Floor employee then moved in and shot the animal with his own 9mm but had the same result; eyes blinking and the animal attempting to right itself. At that point, this other employee then shot the animal twice more with his 9mm, effectively stunning the animal so that it was then hoisted and given the kill cut. I, CSI REDACTED, was then notified by FI REDACTED and returned immediately to the Kill Floor to investigate the incident. When looking at the head after it was skinned, I observed that two of the six shots delivered were slightly left of center but these shots still landed within the target area. Also, I observed that all six shots had penetrated the steer's skull. During the course of this investigation, I informed Owner Jennifer McGrath of my findings, notified her that I would be tagging the knock box pending instructions from Dr. REDACTED, DVMS and notified her of the forthcoming Noncompliance Report. I then tagged the knock box with U.S. Rejected Tag No. B14092329 at approximately 1140 hours. This is noncompliance with 9 CFR 313.16(a)(3) which states: "Immediately after the firearm is discharged and the projectile is delivered, the animal shall be in a state of complete unconsciousness and remain in this condition throughout shackling, sticking and bleeding."