Heart O' Lakes Quality Meats: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2022 (USDA)

313.16(a)(1)

At about 0930 hours during beef cattle slaughter 0n 7/26/2022 ,I observed a noncompliance with HAT Category VIII Stunning Effectiveness. A cow was brought into the restrainer and Plant Owner REDACTED prepared to use a 22- magnum to shoot the animal. Following firearm safety procedures IPP was in another room when the shot was fired. IPP heard the animal drop and then start to vocalize. After a short time IPP heard another shot and proceeded to the slaughter floor and confirmed that the animal was unconscious. IPP asked owner REDACTED what he thought had went wrong and he stated that the firearm shot had been placed in the center of the head between the eyes as always, and when he tried to apply the second shot the cow had rolled her head down which made the second shots timing a little longer then he wanted, but he then got a second shot and the cow was rendered unconscious. CSI REDACTED informed Mr. REDACTED that slaughter would stop and he would need contact his chain of command to see how they would like him to move forward . A US Reject tag was applied to the restrainer. After preventive measure were provided by Mr. REDACTED . IPP removed the tag and slaughter resumed.