Slaughter House Inc.: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2022 (USDA)

313.2

Today, 06/29/22, at approximately 0840 hours the following noncompliance was discovered. Inspection personnel Humane Handling task within the establishment animal holding pins and identified one pin that had over 10 sheep in number that had no drinking water for these animals that were held over night. This is not compliant with regulation 313.2(e) which 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 noncompliance was discussed with REDACTED establishment management.

313.2

While performing a routine HATS inspection at approximately 2 pm on 5/27/22, SPHV REDACTED observed an employee dragging a lamb by the ears several feet toward the kill box.  The more the animal struggled the harder he held on and dragged the animal.  This is a serious violation of 9CFR 313.2 which prohibits causing discomfort or pain to animals.  It also specifically prohibits the dragging of animals. I yelled for him to stop and informed manager REDACTED who went to the pen area to investigate. No adulterated product entered into commerce because of this incident.

313.2

On November 17th, at approximately 1300, while conducting post mortem inspection, I (CSI REDACTED) observed the following non compliance. Five cows burst into the main part of the establishment (killing, skinning, and evisceration areas) and created a dangerous situation. A cow struck at least one employee while he was trying to take the situation under control. Employees eventually drove the five cows back to the holding pen. According to 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 minimum of excitement and discomfort to the animals.” Immediately establishment personal REDACTED and REDACTED were notified about the situation. according to the establishment owner he agreed to drive the cattle with minimum of excitement and place a metal chain to lock the side door (located between the holding pen and kill room) to prevent the cattle to entering the main part of the establishment.

313.2

At approximately 8:20 am on 11/4/21, SPHV REDACTED while performing his daily HATS task observed an employee dragging a lamb by the head from the pen to the chute leading to the kill box. When he cautioned the employee to stop dragging by the head as that is specifically not allowed by regulations, the employee instead began dragging the animal by the ears. When told to stop, he then dragged the animal by the head again. A plant supervisor was not available, but a more experienced employee REDACTED was informed that they must stop the practice. Other animals were subsequently observed being herded properly. Dragging an animal by the head is specifically prohibited by regulation CFR 313.2 (d)(2). The safety of no products was affected.