Sudlersville Frozen Meat Locker: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2023 (USDA)

313.16(a)(1)

On 9/27/2023 at approximately 11:44 AM while performing a Humane Handling Verification Task at Sudlersville Meat Locker, IPP observed the following noncompliance with HATS Category VIII, Stunning Effectiveness. A black and white lamb entered the knock box. The establishment employee took his first knock with the .22 magnum caliber rifle. When attempting this knock, there was the sound of a release, and the animal went down but then started to stand back up. The establishment employee immediately took a second shot which rendered the lamb unconscious. The animal was rolled out onto the kill floor and exhibited no signs of consciousness. The lamb was stuck and bled out. After the head was removed and skinned, it was noticed that there were 2 holes present in the skull. Two holes were at midline, one 1/8th of an inch to right of the desired position and another hole in the desired position. IPP immediately informed the REDACTED, evisceration supervisor. More than one stunning attempt to achieve unconsciousness represents a noncompliance with regulation 9CFR 313.16(a)(1), which states: "The firearms shall be employed in the delivery of a bullet or projectile into the animal 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, establishment owner, was verbally notified of the noncompliance at approximately 11:50 AM. Slaughter resumed after verbal corrective actions. The establishment stated they will inform employee to allow the animal to settle before aiming and shooting.