Fort Worth Meat Packers LLC: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2022 (USDA)

313.2

HATS Category VI Eclectic Prod/Alternative Object Use ; 9CFR313.2(B) On April 7, 2022 , I CSI REDACTED performed humane handling task for establishment 47104M. At approximately 0625 hours, I observed an employee use an electric prod on a live cow’s anus. Three employees were observed moving cattle through a single alley. The two animals were in one of three individual sections to the alley. Metal manual hinging and hydraulic sliding doors separate the animals before entering the knocking box. The leading bovine was noted to be reluctant to move forward. Pin Livestock Manager REDACTED was noted to use a prod several times. The bovines hide would twitch to the prod when used. The bovine would resist from moving forward and would lean back on the animal directly behind. REDACTED would allow the animal to rest before attempting to prod again. An employee working the knocking box would also use a rattle paddle to try to make the animal move forward at the same time. Kill Floor Supervisor REDACTED was present and proceeded to handle the electric prod, place the electrodes on the surface of the first animals’ anus and activate the electric prod. The leading animal twitched but did not bellow. The leading animal moved forward. Plant Manager REDACTED was present and instructed the Supervisor REDACTED and Supervisor Livestock Manager REDACTED not to use the electric prod on the animal’s anus. Mr. REDACTED also voiced that Supervisor REDACTED would receive training in humane handling and would not be in the pen area until further notice.