Wayne Nell & Sons Meats Inc.: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2021 (USDA)

313.1

HAT's Category IV (Humane Handling of Livestock) On 06/14/2021 at approximately 0957 hours at establishment M9548 I (CSI REDACTED) observed a humane handling non-compliance with a roaster hog in the holding pen's. A roaster hog was observed stuck under the gate to the holding pen it was in. Upon my approach to the outside truck unloading dock door, the hog became restless and vocalized loudly as it attempted to free its self unsuccessfully. The hog was pinned between the last rung on the gate and the cement floor, and was visible from the parking lot of the establishment. The hog was unable to free itself, or have access to water. I (CSI REDACTED) immediately went to address my observations with establishment (owner) Shane Nell. Upon exiting the establishment with Mr. Nell a kill floor employee was shutting the outside dock door Which blocked my view of establishment employees attempting to free the roaster hog. Loud vocalizations from the inside of the holding pens, could be heard. I (CSI REDACTED) at that time verbally notified Mr. Nell of his non-compliance with humane handling. I (CSI REDACTED) entered into the holding pen's to observe the hogs in the pens, no hogs were observed with any uncommon marks or scraps. I (CSI REDACTED) however did observed openings under the gate and a missing rung between pens that medium to small roaster hogs can fit all or part of their buddies underneath. No injury to any animal was observed at this time, establishment employee's moved the hogs to a more secure pen to contain the roaster hogs. The establishment is in violation of 9 CFR 313.1 for not having adequate holding areas to contain animals of this size.

313.2

Hats Category IV (Handling During Ante Mortem Inspection) At approximately 0705 hours at establishment M9548, I (CSI REDACTED) was informed that a lamb (ram) got lose in the parking lot after being unloaded. I went out to observe the lamb and at that time it was in the grass behind the establishment. Food Inspector REDACTED stated that he observed the truck unloading. FI REDACTED stated that the lamb was brought to the facility in a pick-up truck and when unloading, the lamb jumped off the side of the tail gate, and ran away (there was a gap between the side of the truck and the unloading chute area). This is a failure to move animals with minimal excitement. Establishment Owner Shane Nell was notified of the non- compliance with 9 CFR 313.2.

313.15(a)(1)

Hats Category VIII (Stunning Effectiveness) At approximately 11:00 AM while observing the stunning effectiveness process, I observed a handheld captive bolt stun that did not render a bull unconscious. After the first stun attempt the bull rose from a recumbent position as the stun box was opened. The employee immediately administered a second stunning attempt with the 45mm pistol and rendered the animal unconscious. After the bull was hoisted a security stun was administered with the handheld captive bolt. I observed three holes in the animal’s head two were in the forehead and one was located at the poll. No regulatory control actions were taken as the employee took immediate corrective actions. Plant Manager Shane Nell was informed of this noncompliance which does not meet 9 CFR 313.15(a)(1)