Pioneer Packing Company, Inc.: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2023 (USDA)

313.1

Category IV Antemortem Inspection Today, 5/17/23, between 1200 and 1430 while Dr. REDACTED was conducting a routine humane handling audit, the following non-compliances were found during the observation of pens, driveways and ramps. In the holding area just before the knocking box, there are 2 sharp edges on the pole the gate locks into around where the gate locks in. In pen 1, there is a sharp edge on the small gate which is not used on the underside bottom right. On the gate between pen 1 and pen 2, the bottom edge of the free swinging edge is sharp. In pen 2, the area of metal to the right of the gate separating it from the hallway is completely rusted and has many holes and sharp edges. In the hallway outside pen 2, the gate to the parking lot has a sharp edge on the bottom of the free swinging edge. In pen 4, the metal along the right wall has many rusted sharp areas on the bottom edge. In pen 5, to the left of the gate there is rust and corrosion of the metal on the inside bottom rung. On pen 6, in the middle of the pen there is a small piece of metal sticking out into the hallway that is of concern. On the old scale, several areas at the bottom of the metal are rusted and corroded leading to some sharp edges. Plant owner REDACTED and plant manager REDACTED were notified and shown the findings. No animals were observed being injured, but the areas could cause injury. After operation for the day, establishment went out and ground the metal down smooth on the holding area pole, the unused gate in pen 1, the bottom edge of the gate between pen 1 and 2, the hallway gate outside pen 2, the inside bottom rung in pen 5, the piece of metal on pen 6 and the areas on the bottom of the old scale. All of these areas were observed and verified no longer risk areas by Dr. REDACTED the morning of 5/18/23. The remaining concerns have been blocked off from animal contact and are being monitored by management. They will be corrected when supplies can be obtained to replace the necessary materials with a target date of 5/22/23 to have all repairs completed. This is a non-compliance of 9 CFR 313.1(A) stating 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.