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

313.2

HATS Category III: Water and Feed Availability HATS Category IV: Ante-mortem Inspection On 8August2024 at approximately 0700 hours, the SPHV performed antemortem inspection of 12 beef. There were three pens total – Pens 1 and 2 had five animals each, and Pen 3 had two animals. Pens 1 and 2 did not have access to water, as the water tubs were empty, but Pen 3 did have access to water. The establishment has large black livestock tubs for water and must fill each tub manually. The animals were moved from the adjacent feed lot yesterday afternoon and sorted into the antemortem pens. Upon verbally notifying the establishment owner, he immediately connected the hoses and began filling the tanks. The animals did not appear distressed or grossly dehydrated, but the animals were observed drinking from the water troughs while the troughs were being filled. I notified the owner of the forthcoming NR for failure to provide water to live animals per Title 9 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 313.2(e). The Frontline Supervisor and the Denver District Veterinary Specialist were contacted. 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.