Premium Minnesota Pork, LLC: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2021 (USDA)

313.2

At approximately 8:35 am while observing HATS Category II, Truck Unloading (herd lot 1544), I observed the following noncompliance with HATS Category VI, Electric Prod/Alternative Object Use After the truck unloader moved the hogs from the back end of the truck using a rattle bat, he moved to the lower level and began using the rattle bat to rouse the hogs. He then reached underneath the white covering he had on and pulled out an electric prod known as a “hotshot” and began to use it on the lower backs of the hogs. The hogs vocalized more and increased their speed, sometimes running, piling up several times as they unloaded. There were at least two occasions when 4-5 hogs tried going through the exit at the same time and got stuck momentarily, with additional squealing. I observed at least one slippage by a hog because of this. At one point, the tattooer was having to tattoo so quickly, he nearly lost his balance. In two cases I noted that the trucker chased a hog that was already moving quickly and used the electric prod on it. I do not think anyone but myself observed the use of the electric prod because he did not use it close to the back of the truck, and the tattooer normally remains hidden so the hogs will move through the opening, and the herder may not have had a good visual angle to see like I did. I then entered the hog barn office and asked Barn Manager Mr. REDACTED the policy on using electric prods by the truckers. He stated that their policy was to not allow it, and they also had a sign posted with that rule. I discussed my observations of electric prod use during truck unloading with Mr. REDACTED. Mr. REDACTED correlated with the truck driver on establishment expectations for implement use during truck unloading, and the importance of moving hogs with a minimum of excitement. This is noncompliant with 9 CFR 313.2(b) which states that electric prods, canvas slappers, or other implements employed to drive animals shall be used as little as possible in order to minimize excitement and injury. I was called away to do breaks and dispositions, and then returned to the barn and was informed by Mr. REDACTED that he had informed Plant Manager Mr. Scott Johnson, Techincal Services Manager Mr. REDACTED, QA Technical Services Manager Mr.REDACTED, and the supervisor for the trucker of the incident. I informed Mr. REDACTED that I would be writing a noncompliance report for this incident.