Halal Transaction of USA llc: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2023 (USDA)

313.1,313.2

HATS Category II- Truck Unloading HATS Category III- Water and Feed Availability HATS Category IV- Antemortem Inspection Today Dr. REDACTED, District Veterinary Medical Specialist (DVMS), as well as I, REDACTED Consumer Safety Inspector (CSI), visited the establishment for a Humane Handling review and slaughter inspections, respectively. While at the facility, a couple of humane handling violations where observed. 1.) Before slaughter operations began at approximately 6:13am, Dr. REDACTED and I observed a group of approximately ten goats in a holding area immediately off of the truck unloading chute with no access to water. This is a violation of 9 CFR 313.2(e). 2.) After operations had begun, at approximately 9am while inspecting the feeder room where lambs and goats were being held, Dr. REDACTED and I observed multiple nails sticking out of the wooden feeder that animals could get caught on. This is a violation of 9 CFR 313.1(a). 3.) Along the wall near the feeder, it was observed that 2 screws were sticking out which had some fur/hair collected on them. Additionally, several nails were observed sticking out of two of the walls of the room. This is a violation of 9 CFR 313.1(a). 4.) Overlying the green gate in the feeder room was a metal panel gate that had a broken, exposed end with a sharp edge. Along the chute leading to the kill box there was also thin wire with multiple ends poking out. While this wire was at a higher height than sheep and goats, it would be a concern for any cattle. This is a violation of 9 CFR 313.1(a). 5.) At approximately 12:35pm during the unloading of lambs, sheep, and goats from a semi-trailer, Dr. REDACTED observed animals that had been moving smoothly from the unloading area into the barn turn around and start to move back towards the trailer. This led to a group of approximately 25 animals on the unloading ramp tightly grouped together, with two lambs being knocked to the ground in the pack and two small goats briefly walking on the backs of the other animals, all while animals at the front of the pack were trying to push their way back to the semi-trailer. Mr. REDACTED Establishment Manager, approached the front of the group and calmly and methodically encouraged the animals to move forward into the barn. The two lambs that had been knocked down stood up and walked off without any visible injuries. After all the animals had been moved into the barn, Dr. REDACTED discussed the incident with Mr. REDACTED This is a violation of 9 CFR 313.2(a). These violations were brought to attention of Establishment management. Mr. REDACTED Kill Floor Manager, saw to the moving of animals to an area that already had water provided. Mr. REDACTED and his repair man immediately removed the metal panel gate and began repairs on the feeder and removing any protruding nails and screws. 9 CFR 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 planking, and unnecessary openings where the head, feet, or legs of an animal may be injured shall be repaired. 9 CFR 313.2(a) states: 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 313.2(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.