Schrock's Slaughter House: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2024 (USDA)

313.16(a)(1)

At approximately 9:10am while observing on the slaughter floor the following noncompliance was observed under HATS Category VIII, stunning effectiveness. Mr. REDACTED, establishment stunning employee, was attempting to stun a beef steer using a .22 magnum caliber rifle. I, Supervisor REDACTED, was standing in the processing room adjacent to the kill floor for safety with PHV Dr. REDACTED and heard the firearm discharge. We began to walk to the doorway to return to the kill floor and observed Mr. REDACTED still standing at the knock box and the animal still standing. I heard no vocalization at this time. Mr. REDACTED was preparing to immediately take another shot and we stepped back from the doorway for safety and heard the firearm discharge. Upon stepping forward into the doorway the animal was observed as down at this time and was not vocalizing. Mr. REDACTED, Establishment Owner, observed the animal and rendered a 3rd shot as it was thought the animal was showing signs of consciousness. Dr. REDACTED and myself examined the skull along with Mr. REDACTED. Mr. REDACTED identified the sequence of attempts. The first and second attempts beside each other and were low and slightly to the right of the correct location. The third attempt was in the correct location and was rendered when the animal was down. Due to the immediate and effective second and third attempts, the situation is non-egregious. I notified Mr. REDACTED verbally of the noncompliance with 9 CFR 313.16(a)(1). This NR serves as written and verbal notification of the noncompliance found with 9 CFR 313.16(a)(1).