A. Decoite Packing House, Inc.: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2024 (USDA)

313.15(a)(1)

HATS Category VIII - Stunning Effectiveness On 07/08/2024 at approximately 1015 hours, the FLS directly observed the establishment attempt to stun a cow. The initial stun was ineffective as the animal remained standing, eyes were tracking, and the animal exhibited rhythmic breathing. There were no signs of distress or vocalization. The establishment stun operator immediately obtained the backup hand-held captive bolt device and applied the second stun. The second stun was immediately effective, and once the cow had fallen the hand-held captive bolt device was reloaded and a security stun was applied. The animal remained unconscious through exsanguination. A verbal regulatory control action was taken to allow time to gather further information and discuss with the Denver District Office. Upon review of the dressed head, three stun holes had penetrated the skull, two in the midline and one just left of center penetrating into the frontal sinus. The Denver District Office was contacted and the situation discussed to determine that this event constituted a non-egregious humane handling event. The floor supervisor was notified that this would be recorded as a non-compliance and slaughter was allowed to continue. The establishment does not follow a written robust systematic approach to humane handling and stunning; however, no humane handling non-compliances have been recorded within the past 12 months.