Scotts Hook & Cleaver Inc.: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2022 (USDA)

313.2

At approximately 1710 hour, on 6/28/2022 while doing hats category 8 task and working the Slaughter floor at establishment 10038 Scott hook and cleaver. I noticed an Establishment employee kick a market hog in the left shoulder during slaughter. I observed this employee open the gate to the holding pen area, to allow market hogs to enter the stunning area at this time Establishment employee, kicked the leading hog in the shoulder with the full swing of his leg. The two market hogs in the holding pen were already moving to enter the stunning area. The hog moved more quickly into the stunning area. There were, no visible injury observed during this time.  The use of the establishment employees, foot to strike and move animals could cause possible injury to the hog.      I then shouted stop and placed a U.S. Rejected tag on the stunner with tag # B-45919176 and called front line REDACTED. This observation represents noncompliance with 9 CFR 313.2(a) and hats category six, Driving of livestock from the unloading ramps to the holding pens and from holding pens to the stunning area shall ne done with a minimum of excitement and discomfort to the animals. Livestock shall not be forced to move faster than a normal walking speed. REDACTED was notified of the above noncompliance and that one would be documented.

313.2

At aproxomently 1330 today while I was preforming a scheduled HATs category I and III task I observed that the water tank in the animal holding pen in the North-West area of the main barn area was rendered unavailable on both sides due to the extent of fecal material floating and covering 3/4 of the tank surface, there was no drinkable water available for them to drink from. The establishment had beef in this pen which I observed for 15 minutes and none of which went to drink from the waterer . The outside temperature at the time of my observance was 90 degrees Fahrenheit.  I informed owner REDACTED and Plant Manager REDACTED at the same time of my findings and that I would be issuing an NR.

313.1

At 0710am while performing Anti mortem inspection in the barn I observed a piece of sheet metal protruding out from the wall at the corner where animals turn to begin entry to pre restraining area. The piece of sheet metal was approximately 1 foot long and 2 inches thick. I showed Mr. REDACTED the sheet metal and voiced my concern of possible injury to animals. Mr. REDACTED immediately removed the sheet metal and that action made a smooth surface where animals could make that turn without possible injury. 313.1 (a) states "Livestock pens, driveways and ramps shall be maintained in good repair. They shall be free from sharp or protruding objects which may, in the opinion of the inspector, cause injury or pain to the animals. Loose boards, splintered or broken planks, and unnecessary openings where the head, feet, or legs of an animal may be injured shall be repaired.

313.2

At approximately 1125 hrs. while performing Livestock Humane Handling I observed the following: While in barn I observed that pen number five had five lamb total in it and no water in pen or any access to water. At 1130 hrs. I informed Mr. REDACTED and Ms. REDACTED of my observations and I then stated that an NR would be written. Mr. REDACTED stated that he disagrees with the writing of this NR. 313.2(e) states "Animals shall have access to water in all holding pens and, if held longer than 24 hours, access to feed. There shall be sufficient room in the holding pen for animals held overnight to lie down." This criteria was not met. This NR is being linked to a previous NR # 5207023014N/1 written on February 14, 2022 for the same root cause.

313.2

At 8:45 am SPHV REDACTED went to check the barn. There was one beef in the barn this time. There is a waterer in the pen but it was completely frozen solid. Dr. REDACTED informed REDACTED that the plant would be getting an NR and was told that REDACTED was not aware that an animal had been dropped off.

313.2,313.30 (a)(2)

HATS CATEGOR VIII: STUNNING EFFECTIVENESS At approximately 1630 hours on 11/09/2021 I, CSI REDACTED, directly observed the following noncompliance. I directly observed an establishment employee in the hog stunning pen lining up a hog to stun with the electrical stunner. As the employee placed the stunner probes on the neck of the hog the gate separating the stunning and holding pens became dislodged and the hog ran towards the holding pen. I then directly observed the establishment employee chasing the hog around the pen with the electrical stunner in his hands and directly observed him touch the hog with the stunner on three separate occasions including the original touch. I took an immediate regulatory control action over the slaughter floor and advised manager REDACTED that I was stopping all current production due to the observation. At approximately 1645 hours a meeting was held with establishment owner REDACTED and manager REDACTED do discuss the observation and humane handling expectations. I also notified management that I would be documenting my findings in a noncompliance report. The regulator control action was released at the completion of this meeting. This finding is in noncompliance with the following regulation(s). 9 CFR 313.2 (a): Driving of livestock from the unloading ramps to the holding pens and from the holding pens to the stunning area shall be done with a minimum of excitement and discomfort to the animals. Livestock shall not be forced to move faster than a normal walking speed. 9 CFR 313.30 (a) (2): The driving or conveying of the animals to the place of application of electric current shall be done with a minimum of excitement and discomfort to eth animals. Delivery of calm animals to the place of application is essential to ensure rapid and effective insensibility. Among other things, this requires that, in driving animals to the place of application, electrical equipment be used as little as possible and with the lowest effective voltage. This document serves as notification that continued failure to meet regulatory requirements could lead to further regulatory or administrative action.