Ranchers' Best Meats: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2023 (USDA)

313.16(a)(1)

HATS Category VIII - Stunning Effectiveness At approximately 1145 on 9/5/2023 at est. M7679, IPP observed two ineffective stuns. A market swine was placed into the stun box and the establishment employee attempted to stun the animal with a 22-magnum bolt action rifle. IPP were behind a partition concrete wall for safety, therefore, the stun was unable to be viewed while administered. The first stun attempt was ineffective, and the swine immediately began vocalizing. The establishment employee readily reloaded the rifle. The second stun was applied immediately, but it was also ineffective, as the swine continued vocalizing. The third stun attempt was administered immediately and was successful at rendering the swine insensible. The swine remained insensible during the shackling, hoisting, and bleeding process. IPP placed a U.S. Reject tag #B43051819 on the stun box and verbally notified the Plant Manager, who was the stun operator, of the forthcoming noncompliance. The establishment currently does not operate under a Robust humane handling plan. There was no noncompliance of the same or similar cause issued in the last 90 days. The Denver District Management Team was notified through supervisory channels.