Palace Meat Company Inc.: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2022 (USDA)

313.16(a)(1)

On August 17, 2022 I, CSI REDACTED observed the following non-compliance: At approximately 0815 hours I heard a single gunshot and immediately following I heard a pig vocalizing loudly. I immediately exited the office and was at the slaughter floor doorway when a second shot was heard. An estimated time period of no more than 30 seconds was taken in between each shot fired. I then observed the sow being unloaded from the knock area and verified she was rendered unconscious at this time where she was also immediately exsanguinated. This was the fourth of four sows scheduled for slaughter on this day. The head of the sow in question was examined at approximately 0930 hours and 2 bullet entrances were clearly visible. 1 was placed at the junction of the frontal and median line/plane, between the eyes, and the second approximately 2 inches higher/back/dorsal and 1⁄2 inch to the left from the median line/plane. This is noncompliant to 9 CFR 313.16(a)(1): “The firearms shall be employed in the delivery of a bullet or projectile into the animal in accordance with this section so as to produce immediate unconsciousness in the animal by a single shot before it is shackled, hoisted, thrown, cast, or cut. The animal shall be shot in such a manner that they will be rendered unconscious with a minimum of excitement and discomfort.” Supervisor REDACTED was notified of the forthcoming non-compliance at approximately 0830 hours on August 17, 2022.