Dubach Deer Factory & Smokehouse, LLC: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2024 (USDA)

313.15(b)(1)(iii),313.16(a)(1)

While verifying Humane Handling Category VIII - Effective Stun during slaughter operations at Dubach Deer and Smokehouse on July 02, 2024, at approximately 0910 hrs. SCSI REDACTED FLS Dr. REDACTED and CSI REDACTED observed the following noncompliance. An establishment employee failed to render animal unconscious after taking 2 shots from a 22-gauge Magnum rifle. The establishment employee shot the animal a third time finally rendering the animal unconscious. The three stunning attempts were made with the same caliber firearm, 22-gauge magnum rifle. During the first 2 shots the animal was still in a conscious state standing upright in the kill box, did not vocalize, and moving its head back/forth and up and down appearing unaffected by the caliber of weapon used. There was minimal time lapse between the three stunning attempts. The establishment failed to use the backup rifle when the first 2 shots failed to render the animal unconscious, also there were no head restraints used to keep the animal's head from bobbing back and forth. SCSI REDACTED notified REDACTED owner of the establishment that slaughter operations have been suspended. USDA Reject Tag B-46 059051 was attached to the Kill Box. The establishment failed to meet the regulatory requirements of 9CF 313.16(b) (1) (iii) and 313.16(a)(1). The establishment has no other Humane Handling noncompliance and does not have an active systematic robust approach.