Island Grown Farmers Cooperative: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2024 (USDA)

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HATS Category VIII: Stunning Effectiveness On December 22, 2023, approximately 8:15 am, the stun operator loaded the cow into the squeeze chute with the cow’s head in the squeeze-chute style head catch. I observed both hand-held captive bolt (HHCB) devices were loaded and within reach of the stun operator. The stun operator attempted the first stun and at the same moment I observed the cow lower then raise her head and the stun was ineffective as the animal remained standing and fully conscious. Immediately the stun operator retrieved the backup HHCB device and attempted second stun, but again the animal moved its head, and the stun was ineffective. I observed the animal continue standing, vocalizing, tossing head and bleeding from the nose. The Plant Manager had already reloaded the first HHCB device and immediately applied a third stun, which rendered the cow insensible. I verified the animal was rendered unconscious. The Plant Manager applied a fourth “security” stun with the HHCB. U.S. Reject tag NO. B39950164 was applied to the stun box. Upon inspection of the dressed head, I observed four penetrating holes. Two of the holes were below the target zone and two of the holes were within the target zone. The Denver District Management Team was notified through supervisory channels. The Plant Manager was notified of the noncompliance and a written report would be issued. The regulatory tag of control was released after consultation of Denver District Management Team. There have been no noncompliance records issued within the past 90 days for the same root cause. This establishment has implemented a Robust Systematic Approach to the Humane Handling of Livestock.