Main Processing LLC: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2021 (USDA)

313.15(a)(1)

On August 5th at approximately 0930; I, Dr. REDACTED SPHV, observed the following noncompliance during a humane handling task on the kill floor at Detroit Processing. The employee used a captive bolt to stun a large boar. The first stun attempt was ineffective. The boar fell immediately. The boar remained in a lateral position, but the eyes continued to rhythmically blink and breathing was noted in the chest. The boar was not attempting to right itself, and it did not vocalized. The employee immediately recognized the signs of consciousness and fired a second (already loaded) captive bolt within a matter of seconds. After the second captive bolt, no breathing was noted in the chest, blinking had substantially slowed, and the eyes appeared catatonic. At this point, I felt as though the second knock rendered the boar unconscious and insensible to pain, but the owner, REDACTED fired a security knock with a rifle (less than 20 seconds of the second captive bolt). I notified Mr. REDACTED of the following noncompliance, and his corrective action was to discontinue the use of the captive bolt at this time. The employee continued to utilize the rifle for all further stunning. I observed the next 3 stuns, which were appropriately performed. This is a noncompliance of 9 CFR 313.15 (a)(1).