Premium Minnesota Pork, LLC: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2023 (USDA)

313.15(a)(1)

At approximately 3:22 pm, after I had signed off on antemortem on a "slow (tattoo 4028)," I stayed to watch the procedure. The operator, REDACTED, placed the captive bolt knocker on the forehead, but the animal moved its head at the last second and the captive bolt discharged. The animal remained sitting and there was no cut or indication that the captive bolt had harmed the head. The animal remained in its position and did not vocalize. I informed Barn Manager REDACTED that the animal should have been segregated and not next to another hog, so movement could have been contained. He then took a double-panel board and he and REDACTED attempted to place it around the hog but the hog moved away. After a few seconds they were able to restrain the hog with the board and then REDACTED attempted a second knock. This one successfully rendered the hog unconscious. I notified Mr. REDACTED that an NR would be forthcoming because they were not in compliance with 9 CFR 313.15(a) for a non-egregious stunning effectiveness failure and causing excessive excitement or discomfort to a hog.

313.2

At approximately 10:08 am, when I was returning from the barn and waiting to cross over the alleyway to the REDACTED, I noticed the person responsible for driving the animals in the far chute to the REDACTED trying to move a reluctant hog out of the chute. He nudged it with his knee and when it did not move, he raised his foot and hit/pushed the hog with his foot. It moved a bit in response so he could close the gate. I immediately yelled for him to stop and walked over to repeat what I had said. The hog was not injured. I then notified Kill Superintendent REDACTED of the humane handling noncompliance and that a noncompliance report would be written. 9 CFR 313.2(b): Driving of livestock...from the holding pens to the stunning area shall be done with a minimum of excitement and discomfort to the animals.