Sky Halal Meats: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2024 (USDA)

313.1

HATS Category IV - Ante-mortem Inspection At approximately 0655 hours on July 31, 2024, while performing an Odd Hour Inspection Verification Visit, I, CSI REDACTED observed the following noncompliance: On the south side of the holding pens, by the unloading area, four goats were standing between the holding pens and the lagoon fence. I walked around the pens to check for any openings in the fence. On the east side of the holding pens, there was a gap in the fence that the goats most likely were able to escape from the pen. An employee put the four goats back into the holding pens at approximately 0725 hours. The employees immediately fixed the gap in the fence with temporary measures. I did not observe any apparent injuries on the goats. The fencing around the holding area is leaning outward in some areas which could lead to additional livestock being able to escape. The holding area has a large amount of feed, fecal and straw piled up around the border of the fence and next to the feeding area. With the excessive amount debris building up, it appears the ground is not solid enough to securely support the fence in an upright position. On Monday July 29, 2024, I had notified Mr. REDACTED and Mr. REDACTED (Owners) of my concerns regarding the condition of the fence in the area that it was leaning. Mr. REDACTED and Mr. REDACTED said the fence will be repaired with a permanent solution for the gap and the area will be cleaned to ensure the fence is secure. 9 CFR 313.1(a) states: (a) Livestock pens, driveways and ramps shall be maintained in good repair. They shall be free from sharp or protruding objects which may, in the opinion of the inspector, cause injury or pain to the animals. Mr. REDACTED and Mr. REDACTED were notified of the establishment’s failure to comply with 9 CFR 313.1(a). Pens must be maintained to prevent livestock from escaping which could result in unnecessary stress and injury to the animals.