Carteret Abattoir: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2023 (USDA)
See the detail of the non-compliance of humane livestock handling that the USDA observed at the Carteret Abattoir slaughterhouse establishment in 2023.
You can also see other establishments that were non-compliant in 2023.
313.50,313.2
On 9/8/23 at approximately 1446 hours I, CSI REDACTED, was conducting a electric prodding/ alternative object task based on HATS Category VI. I observed an employee driving lamb to the pens. During my observation I saw the employee hitting a lamb on the back with a crowbar. He raised his hand and crowbar above his head before striking the animal. When he struck the animal, I could hear the impact of the strike. I did not see him strike another animal. The lamb did not cry out or make any noise. I immediately stopped the employee. The lamb were packed in tight. The employee said he was trying to get them into the pens quickly because it was raining. I then stopped the production and took regulatory control. I placed tag#B-46031703 on the door entrance of the lamb ramp kill area then informed REDACTED (Plant Manager) of the incident stating due to the unnecessary striking of the animal, I will be documenting a noncompliance for a humane handling violation. I told Mr. REDACTED all slaughter operations must cease. I informed SCSI REDACTED, and she informed FLS REDACTED. This is violation of 9CFR 313.2(a) livestock should not be forced to move faster than their normal walking speed ,9CFR 313.2(c) objects in the opinion of the inspector that could cause injury or unnecessary pain to the animal should not be used to drive livestock and 9CFR 313.50(b) actions of employee in handling and moving livestock.
313.1
While conducting the Humane Handling Task, at approximately 0830 I, REDACTED, CSI and Dr. REDACTED observed the following the non-compliance. As we were approaching the unloading of the truck, we observed a big gap where they were unloading the lamb. When I was observing the unloading of the truck, there was two lambs that slipped in between the gap of the ramp and the door, however, none of the lambs were injured or harmed. Then, employee told a second employee to close the door and had third employee stand between the gap to ensure that there is no animal that would be harmed. This is a violation of CFR 313.1(a) because all pens, driveways, and ramps shall be maintained in good repair. In addition, any unnecessary openings where the head, feet, or legs of the animal may be injured shall be repaired. I told employee REDACTED about the non-compliance.
