E.L. Blood & Son, Inc.: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2022 (USDA)

313.15(a)(1)

On 24 August 2022, at approximately 0815, while I was monitoring stunning of the first animal of the day, I observed the following noncompliance: The first animal of the day was a small bull, which establishment employees drove into the chute and restrained appropriately, but which remained somewhat agitated and was tossing his head a bit. The initial stun with the in-line captive bolt appeared to be placed correctly, but the bull did seem to move slightly as the knock was applied and after the knock remained standing, moving his head and blinking, exhibiting no signs of being stunned. A second knock was applied immediately and successfully rendered the animal unconscious. On check after the second knock, I was able to confirm that the initial knock had penetrated the skin and bone, but there was distinctly less marking of the surrounding fur with gunpowder vs the second knock, suggesting contact between the device and the animal was likely lost due to the animal’s movement. A third knock was applied for security and the animal was subsequently hoisted and bled without further incident. I notified Manager REDACTED that I would be issuing a noncompliance. This shall serve as official notice of noncompliance. Per 9 CFR 313.15(a)(1), the initial knock must render the animal immediately unconscious. No similar noncompliances have been documented in the past year. Repeated noncompliance may result in additional regulatory actions.