HK Cooperative, Inc.: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2024 (USDA)

313.1

HATS Category IV- Antemortem Inspection On March 7, 2024, while performing a humane handling verification task in the barn, I, SPHV REDACTED, and Dr. REDACTED, District Veterinary Medical Specialist (DVMS), observed the following: While walking through Pen H05, also known as the suspect pen, we observed that the bottom of one of the metal posts holding the fence up and the gate on the south side of the pen facing the walkway to the alphabet pens had sections of metal pipes that were broken off and rust corroded with sharp, jagged metal edges. We pointed out the areas in disrepair to Barn Supervisor REDACTED and QC Director REDACTED. While walking down the alleyway alongside the alphabet pens, we observed one of the rails on the gate for Pen 77/66 was dented and this area was surrounded by sharp, jagged metal edges. This rail was located approximately two-thirds from the bottom of the gate. This defect was shown to Barn Supervisor REDACTED and QC Director REDACTED. While walking through Pen 9, we observed a hole in the concrete pen floor near the front southwest corner of the pen. The hole measured roughly 2 inches by 2.5 inches and approximately 2 inches deep. This was pointed out to Barn Supervisor REDACTED and QC Director REDACTED. A USDA Rejected tag NO. B45736661 was placed on Pen H05 for the defects within the pen. USDA Rejected tag NO. B45736663 was placed on Pen 9 for the hole in the flooring. The broken pipes on the gates, the jagged post, and the hole in the floor are not in compliance with 9 CFR 313.1(a). Barn Supervisor REDACTED and QC Director REDACTED were notified of the establishment’s failure to comply with the regulatory requirements.