Colorado Homestead Ranches, Inc.: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2024 (USDA)

313.15 (b)(1)(i),313.15(a)(1)

HATS Category VIII: Stunning Effectiveness On March 8, 2024, at approximately 0730 hours while verifying humane handling of livestock during slaughter operations at Est. 7748, I, the SPHV observed the following noncompliance. Establishment personnel had driven a steer into the stun box. The stun operator attempted to stun the steer with a hand-held captive bolt (HHCB) device. IPP observed the steer go down in the box with no vocalization. The stun operator called out a security stun, which was also performed with the same reloaded HHCB device. The stun box was opened, and the steer rolled out of the box. The steer was in lateral recumbency with no righting reflex observed and no vocalization. The eyes were ventral and central, but no blinking or tracking observed. The steer was rhythmically breathing and was paddling its limbs. The stun operator readily retrieved the backup .357 caliber pistol and immediately applied a third stun attempt which effectively rendered the steer insensible. The stun box was tagged by the SPHV. The steer remained unconscious during the shackling, hoisting and bleeding processing. The stun operator stated that the HHCB cartridges were wet. Upon inspection of the dressed head, two HHCB holes were noted that had good placement but poor penetration. The .357 caliber shot placement was on target with full penetration. The Denver District Management Team was notified through supervisory channels. The establishment does not have a robust systematic approach to humane handling of livestock. There have been no noncompliance records issued for the same root cause within the past 90 days. This is in noncompliance with 9 CFR 313.15(a)(1) and 9 CFR 313.5(b)(1)(i)