Smith Valley Meats: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2023 (USDA)

313.1

At approximately 1330 hours on 08/28/2023 during the tour of the facility for the FSA walk through with EIAO REDACTED and EIAO REDACTED accompanied by myself (IPP REDACTED) and Establishment Management, REDACTED the following was observed: In the “hog lot” (a pen holding 3 large pigs) in a 20’ x 30’ (divided for 2 pens) area under construction, two pieces of fence (10” and 4” in length) was broken away and protruding inward towards the pigs. Two of the three pigs were rubbing on the wire which was at eye level of the pigs. In the same pen two of the three pigs was observed pulling on a piece of tin that was wedged in the floor drain. At the off-loading area into the entrance of the unloading gate a (1 1/2-2”) piece of steel guard rail sliver was protruding inward toward the walkway of the animals. In this same area three pieces of guard rail was used as a gap filler running vertically between the guardrail used as fencing and the gate. The center piece (6”) was loose and had flipped to the horizontal position which protruded (1”) inwards towards the animal pathway (edges were jagged). The animals (3 Pigs) in the above stated areas were not harmed by the findings. The corrective actions were implemented immediately (tin was removed and wires bent outward towards the wall), and repairs were made by 1430 hours. The above stated non-compliances are a failure to comply with 9 CFR 313.1(a).

313.16(a)(1)

On Tuesday August 29th at approximately 10:30am while performing a routine Humane Handling task- Stunning Effectiveness HATS Category VII the following noncompliance was observed: Manager REDACTED brought in a market swine for slaughter to be observed by FSA personal for their evaluation of the slaughter process here at Smith Valley Meats. REDACTED chose to start with the .22 magnum rifle, the animal was not properly stunned and did not go down on the first shot. The hog was vocalizing, and slashing around in a manner that appeared it was still conscious. Without IPP having to intervene REDACTED immediately got his employee to hand him their back up firearm which is a .30-30 rifle and applied a second shot which did then effectively stun the animal. With damage to the skull from the second shot it was hard to analyze if the first shot was properly placed and executed. The establishment does not operate under a Robust Systematic Approach. This is found to be noncompliant with the above regulations. Establishment management REDACTED was notified verbally and with this written noncompliance record.

313.16(a)(1)

On Thursday August 17th 2023 at approximately 11:25am while performing a routine Humane Handling task- Stunning Effectiveness HATS Category VIII the following noncompliance was observed: The 3rd animal of the day a Highlander Cross (Steer) over 30 months was brought into the chute to be knocked. The establishment followed their regular protocol and started with the .22 magnum rifle, the animal was not properly stunned and did not go down on the first shot. There was blood coming from the bullet hole and the nostrils of the animal but it was still able to stand and was consciously looking around. Without IPP having to intervene the establishment employee immediately went up on caliber to their back up firearm using a .30-30 rifle and applied a second shot which did effectively stun the animal. The establishment does not operate under a Robust Systematic Approach. This is found to be noncompliant with the above regulations. Establishment management REDACTED was notified verbally and with this written noncompliance record.