Randolph Packing Co., Inc.: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2021 (USDA)

313.15(a)(1)

At approximately 10:00 AM on 8/16/21 in the knocking box area while observing stunning as part of a routine Humane Handling task, I observed an ineffective stunning procedure on a cow. The plant employee was using the pneumatic captive bolt device and applied it to the properly restrained cow. The size, sex, and physical characteristics of the cow were not inappropriate to the use of the pneumatic captive bolt device and subsequent examination of the cow’s skull showed the device had been applied at the correct site. I observed that when the device was applied the employee’s hands were rapidly away from the animal’s head indicating partial or no penetration of the skull by the bolt. The animal did not collapse, as is typical, but shifted its weight and remained standing. Within a few seconds the plant employee applied a second stunning procedure to the occipital area of the cow’s head with a gunpowder-driven captive bolt device. This procedure appeared to be effective. I informed plant supervisor, REDACTED of the irregular stunning procedure and my intention to issue a non-compliance record. I also informed DVMS REDACTED of the incident and the plant management’s plans to address the issue. I indicated to Greg Dronen, plant manager during discussions about the incident, that the incident more likely arose from a misfunction of the pneumatic captive bolt device than operator error. Mr. Dronen said that they intended to raise the pressure in the pneumatic captive bolt device and add a means of lubricating the device in or near the knocking box to reliable function. He also said that they plan to place a pressure gauge in the knocking box area to allow continual monitoring of the air pressure supplied to the device.