J J Meat Co.: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2021 (USDA)

313.2

HATS IV: HANDLING DURING ANTEMORTEM INSPECTION At approximately 1430 while conducting antemortem on Bob Veal I observed that pen 1 appeared to be overcrowded as calves were laying on top of each other with little or no space between them. The calves that were moving around were stepping on the calves laying down as there was little or no space left for them to move in the pen. I was unable to move through the pen without having to step over calves, nor could the Knocker. I was told there were 90 calves in the pen. There is only 1, 55-gallon water container with 7 nipples on it and calves were pushing each other trying to get to water. As I looked around, I could see that there were several weak calves in the pen. I observed at least six calves in a weakened state but still standing in the same pen as stronger healthier calves. I also observed 3 calves that were nonambulatory (unable to stand) being walked on by other calves. The first one by the water trough had a calf step on his face and body and was unable to move himself. Upon removing the calf that was stepping on it, I observed that the nonambulatory calf was weak enough that it could not lift his head. The Knocker then euthanized the calf. The 2nd calf had another calf laying on its front legs, I observed another calf stepping on its legs and abdomen. The calf was attempting to get away from the calf standing on it. Upon moving him away from the calf standing on him and the calf laying on him, he was unable to stand and was moved to the pen with weak calves in it. I observed a 3rd calf who appeared to be nonambulatory, another calf came over to it and laid on it. I told the establishment employee to get the calf off it, and that I was applying a tag to the entrance to the stunning area (USDA Reject Tag # B41904802). I then immediately went to inform Dr. REDACTED my supervisor of the situation and get instructions from our supervisors. Upon returning the calf was no longer there and the establishment was knocking (euthanizing) another weak calf in the same pen. I was informed that the 3rd calf was euthanized as it could not rise on its own. REDACTED was informed of the noncompliance and the forth coming NR. This noncompliance does not meet the requirements set forth in block 6 (CFR 313.2(d) (1)) of this NR in that the establishment failed to protect livestock from harming each other during the handling process.

313.1,313.2

While performing humane handling task, HATS category (IV and VI) on June 2, 2021, at approximately 1250 hours, I, Dr. REDACTED, with CSI REDACTED observed a plant employee attempting to move two young mature heifers into the knock box with a hotshot prod. Over the course of 5 minutes, the employee excessively used the hot shot approximately 12 times to the lead animal and about 6 to the second animal, and both animals were visibly agitated. During this time, the lead animal was able to turn around in the alleyway and attempted to walk back towards the pens 4 times. The latch on the gate leading to the knock box is broken and would not engage to keep the animals contained, adding to the need to herd the animals back and forth several times, causing unnecessary excitement and use of the hot shot. I tagged the alley with US reject tag B41904805 and informed REDACTED, Quality Control Supervisor that an NR was being issued. This is a noncompliance with CFR 313.1, 313.2 (a), 313.2 (b) and has been linked to a previous NR (JCO5819043027N/1) pertaining to the same latch on the walkway leading to the knock box.

313.1

At approximately 1205 hours while conducting suspect checks with Dr. REDACTED, we observed several pen gate latches that were no functioning properly. I immediately informed REDACTED (Supervisor) of the noncompliance and the forth coming NR. This noncompliance does not meet the requirements listed in block 6 of this NR in that the establishment has failed to maintain the gates to pens in good working order.