Royal Butcher, LLC: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2023 (USDA)

313.16(a)(1)

At approximately 1:50pm I observed the kill floor manager prepare to knock a large buck goat with 24" long horns that were 4" wide, using a .22 pistol. The goat was restrained by the manager and another kill floor worker. The manager called for a “fire in the hole.” I was standing in the USDA office when I heard the first shot. I heard the animal vocalize and then a 2nd shot immediately from a larger caliber gun. The larger gun was a .38 caliber pistol. I stepped onto the kill floor and visually observed them sticking the goat, which appeared to be stunned. At this time, I tagged the knock box with retain tag # 57695486X while I assessed the situation and contacted my supervisor. There are 3 remaining horned buck goats which will be stunned with a large caliber rifle and processed under custom/not for sale, for safety reasons. Going forward, the plant will not receive any small ruminants with horns and are in the process of changing that in their HAACP plan. There was no product affected at this time.

313.2

At approximately 1300 on 22 Feb 2023 while conducting a livestock Humane handling task I observed animal not having access to water while in the chute alleyway. Upon noticing this, I talked to REDACTED the Kill Floor Supervisor of the current conditions. I explained to him that the animals need access to water at all times. I also told Mr. REDACTED that I would be issuing a Non-Compliance for the incident. Mr. REDACTED immediately corrected the situation by providing water to the animals in the chute alleyway. This is in violation of HATS Category III. Water and Feed Availability - 9 CFR 313.2 (e) and a copy of this Non-Compliance has been provided to Mr. REDACTED Per the request of REDACTED the Kill floor Supervisor.