Shriver Meats: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2023 (USDA)
See the detail of the non-compliance of humane livestock handling that the USDA observed at the Shriver Meats slaughterhouse establishment in 2023.
You can also see other establishments that were non-compliant in 2023.
313.15(a)(1)
On 5/2/2023 at approximately 8:25AM while observing stunning operations at Shriver Meats, IPP observed noncompliance with HATS Category VII, Stunning Effectiveness. A Holstein steer walked calmly into the knock box. The establishment employee went to take his first knock with the captive bolt. When attempting this knock, there was the sound of a release, but it was not apparent that it released properly, and it was assumed it was a misfire. The steer did drop but was still rhythmic breathing and was blinking. The establishment employee followed their documented procedure and immediately grabbed the back-up .22 caliber rifle and took a second knock and the animal was rendered unconscious, stuck, and bled out. After the head was removed and skinned, it was noticed that there were 2 holes present in the skull. One hole was in the appropriate area for an effective stun, and the other hole was slightly to the right of midline. This hole did not penetrate the skull as effectively. It was also noted that this steer was 30+ months. The establishment employee stated that he typically will utilize the rifle when the animal is over 30+ due to thickness of the skull and did not realize this steer was 30+ months. Taking more than one stunning attempt to achieve unconsciousness represents a noncompliance with regulation 9CFR 313.15(a)(1), which states: "The captive bolt shall be applied to the livestock in accordance with this section so as to produce immediate unconsciousness in the animal with a single shot before it is shackled, hoisted, thrown, cast, or cut. The animal shall be stunned in such a manner that they will be rendered unconscious with a minimum of excitement and discomfort." Mr. REDACTED was notified of the noncompliance at approximately 8:30AM. Mr. REDACTED stated that he was going to utilize the rifle for the rest of the cattle for today. Mr. REDACTED also stated that they would clean the captive bolt as it has been a month since it was last cleaned as proffered corrective actions.
