Kleemeyer & Merkel Inc.: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2024 (USDA)

313.30 (a)(2),313.2

At approximately 8:45 hours, I, SPHV REDACTED, upon parking my vehicle at the establishment, heard a loud repetitive noise as well as vocalizing hogs coming from the barn area. I exited my vehicle and approached the right-most pen, where I witnessed the establishment employee REDACTED excessively and repetitively striking several hogs in the pen with a sorting paddle and yelling the phrase "come on". I yelled and waved my hands to get his attention and asked him to stop, which he immediately did. I then informed establishment Owner/President Mr. REDACTED of what I had witnessed, and emphasized that excessive use of the paddle was prohibited. He stated that he would speak with REDACTED regarding the incident. The excessive use of the sorting paddle to strike animals is noncompliant with 9 CFR 313.2 (b) Handling of livestock, which states: "Electric prods, canvas slappers, or other implements employed to drive animals shall be used as little as possible in order to minimize excitement and injury. Any use of such implements which, in the opinion of the inspector, is excessive, is prohibited." Additionally, this is noncompliant with 9 CFR 313.30 (a) (2) Driving of the animals (electrical), which states: The driving or conveying of the animals to the place of application of electric current shall be done with a minimum of excitement and discomfort to the animals. Delivery of calm animals to the place of application is essential to ensure rapid and effective insensibility.