Rhode Island Beef & Veal, Inc.: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2024 (USDA)

313.1

At approximately 1315 hrs at establishment 5300, while performing a Humane Handling task (HATS category 4), I witnessed the following noncompliance. The guides in the chute to the knock box are large pipes, approximately 3-4” in diameter, spaced at about the same distance. One of the pipes on the lower half of the chute was not intact and was held in place by ropes and bungee cords. A steer had lowered and turned his head to the right, getting his head stuck in the large gap created by the non-intact piping. On the initial sighting of the animal, it was noticed that there was blood dripping from both nostrils onto the floor beneath, however the animal appeared to be calm. The establishment employee opened up the gate behind the entrapped animal which released the animal behind it, allowing for more room to move. I called the SPHV Dr. REDACTED while an employee approached the entrapped animal to see if he could aid him in his release. At this point, the animal vocalized repeatedly and very loudly as witnessed by Dr. REDACTED over the phone. The establishment discontinued their attempts to move the animal to allow the animal to calm down. After allowing the animal to calm down the establishment personnel aided the animal in releasing itself. This is a violation of 9 CFRs 313.1(a) & 313.2(a). Plant owner REDACTED and plant manager REDACTED were notified of the noncompliance by text message, as they were not present at the time of the issue. A review of past NRs was performed and there were no NRs with the same cause over the last 90 days.

313.1

On 5/17/24 at approximately 1115 while conducting Human Handling task the following noncompliance was observed. Outside at the livestock loading dock pen there were numerous sharp exposed metal fence wiring. A wooden panel along the metal fence had exposed rusty metal nails. The metal gate entering into the barn from outside also had exposed metal fence wiring. The 2 poles at the bottom of the metal gate separating pens one and two is in poor repairs. The pole appears to be corroded with sharp edges. The kill floor lead was notified of these findings and attempted to repair some of the fixtures. A U.S. Rejected Tag number B37352899 was placed on the metal gate separating pens one and two. The plant manager was also notified of these finding and it would be documented. It was also discussed that the pens are not to hold livestock until reinspection and pens are in compliance. No livestock present in pens during the inspection.

313.15(a)(3),313.15(a)(1)

At 1454 hrs at establishment 5300, while performing a Humane Handling task, I witnessed the following noncompliance. A plant employee delivered an ineffective stun to a market swine using a captive bolt device. Upon discharge of the captive bolt device, a small wound was observed off the midline of the forehead, the animal vocalized, remained standing, and was looking around the room. The establishment employee took immediate corrective action and delivered an effective stun that rendered the animal insensible. This is a violation of 9 CFRs 313.15(a)(1) & 313.15(a)(3). Plant owner REDACTED and plant manager REDACTED were notified of the noncompliance. A review of past NRs was performed and there were no NRs with the same cause over the last 90 days. Please be aware that this document serves as written notice that your failure to comply with regulatory requirements as outlined in 9 CFR 416 and could result in additional regulatory or administrative action.