EcoFriendly Foods: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2024 (USDA)

313.16(a)(1)

At approximately 12:30pm while observing on the slaughter floor the following noncompliance was observed under HATS Category VIII, stunning effectiveness. Mr. REDACTED, establishment owner, was attempting to stun a beef steer using a .45 caliber revolver. I, Supervisor REDACTED, was standing in the processing room adjacent to the kill floor for safety with PHV Dr. REDACTED and Inspector REDACTED, and heard the firearm discharge. I opened the door to return to the kill floor and observed Mr. REDACTED still standing at the knock box and the animal still standing. I heard no vocalization at this time. Mr. REDACTED was preparing to immediately take another shot and I closed the door for safety and heard the firearm discharge. Upon opening the door the animal was observed as unconscious at this time and remained so through bleeding, shackling, and hoisting. Dr. REDACTED, REDACTED, and myself all examined the skull along with Mr. REDACTED. Mr. REDACTED identified the sequence of attempts. The first attempt was low and to the right of the correct location. The second attempt was in the correct location. Due to the immediate and effective second attempt, the situation is non-egregious. I notified Mr. REDACTED verbally of the noncompliance with 9 CFR 313.16(a)(1). This NR serves as written and verbal notification of the noncompliance found with 9 CFR 313.16(a)(1).