Huse's Processing Inc.: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2021 (USDA)

313.1

At approximately 1600h on September 28, 2021, while observing cattle being driven to the knock box at Est. M13445, a calf’s head went through a couple of the horizontal bars of Pen 7. In the process of freeing itself, it broke one of the bars revealing sharp edges in the alley. Sharp, jagged, or protruding metal was also observed in Pens 4, 5, and 6. The establishment has failed to repair or maintain the pens with durable materials and are inadequately constructed. These findings are in noncompliance with 9 CFR 313.1(a), fall within HATS categories II [livestock handling facilities], and share a similar root causes as NR ABI2016064728N [6/28] and NR ABI5115073428N [7/27], lack of management oversight and inadequate construction. These areas were presented to Establishment Administrator REDACTED Continued noncompliance may result in these areas being tagged US Rejected in accordance with 9 CFR 313.50(a).

313.1

On 07/27/2021 at approximately 1500 while inspecting the holding pens at Establishment M13445, Deputy District Manager Dr. REDACTED and Frontline Supervisor Dr. REDACTED observed a portion of rebar protruding upwards in the alley leading to the knock box. The rebar is tacked down with welds in a grid pattern to enhance footing for cattle and prevent slips and falls. As cattle traverse over the grid, the welds can break leading to the aforementioned findings. Additionally, a young calf was observed wandering loose on the property in front of both pens 1 and 3 and at this time. As some of the fencing of the pens begins to deteriorate (rust, weaken, and break), the structural defects remaining can either result in sharp jagged edges or defects in the fencing large enough to allow smaller cattle to escape. These observations are in noncompliance with 9 CFR 313.1(a) and fall within HATS categories II [livestock handling facilities] and share a similar root cause to NR ABI2016064728N written on 06/28/2021. The DDM and FLS immediately discussed these noncompliances with Mr. REDACTED and their shared concerns that failing to perform adequate pen maintenance can become a hazard to not only the animals, but the personnel working at this location. Once the cattle were removed from the alley with the protruding rebar, Mr. REDACTED immediately had a welder repair the weld at 1530.

313.1,313.2

While returning from a secondary patrol site on June 28, 2021, I received a call from FI Patricia Wells at 1330 informing me of humane handling concerns she observed while performing ante-mortem inspection of cattle at M13445. These concerns include: failure to separate smaller disabled cattle from larger ambulatory cattle, inadequate footing, and pen maintenance. I instructed her to have the establishment separate the disabled animal immediately and informed her that I was less than 10 minutes away and would arrive shortly. Upon arrival to M13445, I observed the following: a piece of sheet metal with sharp metal corners jutting into pen 3, a broken fence in the unloading alley, a longhorn steer with its head trapped between the fence railings, and a non-ambulatory calf bogged down in several inches of mud in a densely stocked pen [pen 1]. These findings were presented to both Slaughter Foreman REDACTED and Establishment Administrator REDACTED and are noncompliant with 9 CFR 313.1(a & b), and 313.2 (d)(1) and fall within HATS categories IV, V, & VII [ante-mortem inspection, suspect and disabled, and slips and falls]. They also share a similar root cause to NR ABI4416065324N written on 06/24/2021 by Dr. REDACTED The non-ambulatory calf in pen 1 was immediately euthanized and condemned, and the longhorn in pen 2 immediately stunned to alleviate any further stress or injury. The deep mud/muck in pens 1 & 2 can prevent a smaller/weaker animal’s ability to rise from a recumbent position and increases the probability of being trampled during ante-mortem inspection or when animals are being driven to the knock box. The establishment’s failure to separate disabled cattle and maintain adequate footing and repair of the pens exposes these animals to undue pain and injury. Failing to effectively address these noncompliances will result in further regulatory control action taken in accordance with 9 CFR 313.50.

313.15(a)(2),313.2

At approximately 1340, while performing Humane Handling Inspection, specifically HATS task #6 Electric prodding/alternative object use the following non-compliance was observed. Dr REDACTED SPHV, noticed the contractor in charge of Halal slaughter trying to move cattle from one of the pens into the main alley leading to the knocking box. The individual had a long yellow Electrical stimulator, Hot Shot, in his hand and was noticed as using it on multiple animals. At one point he was noted climbing and sitting on top of the alley fence and using the instrument on multiple animals, multiple times, in different parts of the animal’s body. Whether the animals were shocked each time the instrument was used is at this time unknown, however, there was the appearance that this was the case. The individual had no other instrument available to move the animals. All activities in the pens were delayed until the issue was discussed with Ms. REDACTED Plant Manager. Proper corrective actions were taken immediately by Ms. REDACTED This is a failure to comply with 9 CFR 313.2 and 313.15 a)2).