Wilson Farm Meats, Inc.: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2022 (USDA)

313.2,313.15(a)(2)

At approximately 0720 hours while performing a HATS Category VIII task – Stunning Effectiveness, CSI REDACTED observed the following egregious noncompliance with HATS Category VI – Alternative Object Use: Establishment Manager, Mr. REDACTED, was using loud, explicit language while twisting the tail of Hereford steer as it was repeatedly pulling its head out of the stunning area head restraint. CSI REDACTED was able to see the employee’s arm rotating with the tail within the restrainer. CSI REDACTED observed the animal vocalizing with its mouth open, tongue hanging out, and eyes bulged. CSI REDACTED moved closer to get a better look. When CSI REDACTED moved closer, the establishment manager stopped tail twisting and was encouraging the animal into the restrainer by smacking the rump with his hands. The hand smack was audible but the steer did not respond. Because the harm stopped, CSI REDACTED stepped off the floor briefly to contact his supervisor for clarification. While off the floor, he heard the animal vocalizing again. Once he got back to the floor, the animal was effectively stunned and unconscious. He noticed that there was fresh blood on the back of the stunning area (away from the head). CSI REDACTED then told the floor supervisor, Mr. REDACTED, that he wanted to inspect the tail. Upon inspection, CSI REDACTED noticed blood at the end of the tail. The end of the Hereford’s tail was white. CSI REDACTED then tagged the stunning area with U.S. Rejected Tag B33511262 and informed establishment management to stop slaughter until further direction from the District Office. The establishment was allowed to bleed out the animal but was asked not to dress it until SPHV Dr. REDACTED could inspect it. Upon her inspection, she confirmed that there was fresh blood on the tail and on the restrainer. There was a small open wound in the hide (approximately 1⁄2 inch) about 2-2.5 inches from the tip of the tail. When running her fingers over the wound, it was not smooth, there was a noticeable bump, consistent with a break. The tail was then examined after dehiding. The injured tail was red and bruised in the same area where the wound was observed with the hide on. The bruised area was also curved and flexible, consistent with a fractured tail. On ante-mortem inspection, this animal was in a pen with two other beef cattle. They were all calm. CSI REDACTED did not observe any blood or injuries on the animals at the time of ante-mortem inspection. This is a noncompliance with 9 CFR 313.2(a), 313.2(b), and 313.15(a)(2). CSI REDACTED informed Mr. REDACTED of the noncompliance and the issuance of this noncompliance record.