Responsible Transportation LLC: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2024 (USDA)

313.15(a)(1)

On January 16, 2024 at approximately 1510hrs, I, Dr. REDACTED while performing a Directed Livestock Humane Handling Task observing HATS Category VIII, Stunning Effectiveness, in the barn, observed a non-compliance. I observed the designated employee preparing to apply a hand-held captive bolt (HHCB) device to the forehead of a non-ambulatory disabled cow laying in Pen 4. The HHCB device audibly discharged, and the cow remained conscious and upright in sternal recumbency, blinking and tossing her head. The employee immediately reloaded the HHCB. During the second stun attempt, the animal tossed its head, causing the HHCB to bounce on the forehead and not make appropriate contact during discharge. The animal remained conscious in sternal recumbency, with controlled movements of its head. The establishment employee ran to the front of the barn and retrieved a second captive bolt device. After a delay to retrieve the second captive bolt device, the employee returned and administered a third stun that rendered the animal unconscious. A fourth stun was also administered as a security knock. After the animal was unconscious, I inspected the head and observed four penetrating wounds (approximately 1cm in diameter each) that were clustered together near the center of the forehead. This is noncompliant with 9 CFR 313.15(a)(1) in that the establishment failed to render this animal unconscious with the handheld captive both stunner on the first attempt and did not perform an immediate effective corrective action stun attempt. I immediately informed Floor Supervisor/QA REDACTED of the noncompliance and applied USDA Reject Tag NO. B37378835 to the knock box. I also informed Mr. REDACTED that I would be contacting the Des Moines district office, through supervisory channels for further guidance.