Countrystyle Meats: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2024 (USDA)

313.1

HATS CATEGORY I HATS CATEGORY VII On 01/17/2024, at approximately 8:50 am, PHV Dr. REDACTED and IPP REDACTED observed two steers being moved into the stunning box simultaneously. As the first steer was being restrained by the head restraint, the second steer slipped and fell down inside the stunning box. The second animal then stood up and attempted to back out of the stunning box, but refused to continue backwards when its hind feet started slipping in the outside alleyway from ice formation. The second animal fell down again inside the stunning box. The first animal was then able to maneuver its head out of the head restraint, back up, and also fell down in the stunning box. Both steers attempted to rise multiple times and were unable to gain traction to stand. The establishment then put down sawdust for traction. The first steer was eventually able to stand and be restrained a second time with the head restraint. The second steer was then able to stand in the stunning box, but continued to refuse to back out of the stunning box. The first animal then laid down while restrained in the head restraint. The second animal then stepped on the first animal multiple times before the establishment was able to successfully drive the second animal backwards into the alleyway. Plant manager, REDACTED, was immediately notified on the noncompliance with and 9 CFR 313.1(b). 9 CFR 313.1(b):Floors of livestock pens, ramps, and driveways shall be constructed and maintained so as to provide good footing for livestock. Slip resistant or waffled floor surfaces, cleated ramps and the use of sand, as appropriate, during winter months are examples of acceptable construction and maintenance.