B & R Meat Processing: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2024 (USDA)

313.16(a)(1)

On Thursday, June 6, 2024, I, CSI REDACTED, while conducting a routine PHIS Livestock Humane Handling task, HATS Category VIII, Stunning effectiveness observed the following noncompliance: At 10:04 am the establishment attempted to render a steer unconscious via gunshot with a .22 caliber bullet. After the completion of the establishment's firearm safety protocols, I went to verify that the steer was unconscious. The animal was upright and alert with no signs of discomfort. I verified that the steer had been shot and it was not a misfire. The establishment immediately set up for a second shot, I exited the kill floor to the designated area. After the shot had been fired, I verified that the steer was down and unconscious. The steer had no reaction to external stimuli, no breathing, the eyes were still and nonresponsive giving the appearance of brain death. The designated employee placed the head at the head station and removed the hide around the gunshot wounds to demonstrated where the two gunshots entered the skull. The first bullet did not penetrate the skull fully. President/GM REDACTED attributed the failure of the gunshot to render the animal unconscious to the quality of ammunition. Mr. REDACTED stated that the establishment would use .45 caliber for the rest of the week and replace the .22 caliber bullets with a new lot. I notified President/GM REDACTED and Supervisor REDACTED of the issue and the forthcoming noncompliance. The establishment failed to meet the regulatory requirements of 313.16(a)(1). This noncompliance is being associated with noncompliance number XXC5808062505N-1 written on 06/05/2024 for a similar humane handling issue.

313.16(a)(1)

On Wednesday, June 5, 2024, I, CSI REDACTED, while conducting a routine PHIS Livestock Humane Handling task, HATS Category VIII, Stunning effectiveness observed the following noncompliance: At 08:42 am the establishment attempted to render a market swine unconscious via gunshot with a .22 caliber bullet. After the completion of the establishment's firearm safety protocols I went to verify that the market swine was unconscious. The animal was upright and alert with no signs of discomfort. I verified that the swine had been shot and it was not a misfire. The designated employee said that the swine had been shot and was unphased. The establishment immediately set up for a second shot, I exited the kill floor to the designated area. After the shot had been fired, I verified that the market swine was down and unconscious. The market swine had no reaction to external stimuli, no breathing, the eyes were still and nonresponsive giving the appearance of brain death. When the market swine was on the rail the designated employee demonstrated where the two gunshots entered the skull. The establishment leaves the head attached on swine carcasses. After the establishment split the swine, I was able to observe the path of the first bullet and where it had become lodged in the skull. The establishment elected to follow up with a "security shot" for the other market swine in the lot. I notified President/GM REDACTED and Supervisor REDACTED of the issue and the forthcoming noncompliance. The establishment failed to meet the regulatory requirements of 313.16(a)(1).

313.2

On Thursday May, 29, 2024, I, CSI REDACTED, while conducting a routine PHIS Livestock Humane Handling task, HATS Category III, Water and Feed Availability observed the following noncompliance: At approximately 8:10 AM the establishment had one beef cow in holding pen 11 for USDA inspected slaughter. This cow was received on Tuesday May 28, 2024. The cow had water provided but no visible feed. I asked the designated employee (DE) for the area if feed had been provided the previous day. The DE said no feed had been provided as they were out. I asked the employee when the cow had last received feed. The DE stated Tuesday evening. I located Supervisor REDACTED, notified her of the issue and the forthcoming noncompliance. I asked if the establishment had any documentation for when the animal was last fed. Supervisor REDACTED referred me to the DE who indicated they didn't have a log but they typically make a note on the pen card. No notation was present on the pen card regarding feed. I enquired what time the cow was received on May 28th, the establishment does not record the time of arrival only the date on which the animal is delivered. Per 9 CFR 313.2(e) animals held longer than 24 hours shall have access to feed. The establishment failed to meet the regulatory requirements of 9 CFR 313.2.