The Butcher Barn: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2024 (USDA)

313.16(a)(1),313.16(a)(3)

HATS Category VIII: Stunning Effectiveness At 0805 while performing a humane handling verification task, I, Dr. REDACTED SPHV, observed the following: a pig was loaded into the knock box with no head restraint available. The establishment employee first attempted to apply stunning methods with a .22 caliber handgun. The pig remained standing and conscious after the first attempt. The establishment employee made a second attempt with the .22 which contacted the animal, but was again ineffective, the pig remained standing. There was a delay as the second establishment employee left the area to a separate part of the building to retrieve a .357 handgun as it was not immediately available. The establishment employee then made a 3rd stunning attempt with the .357 which contacted the animal but was ineffective, as the animal remained standing. The employee immediately fired a 4th shot with the .357 handgun which effectively rendered the animal unconscious, and it remained so thereafter. Immediate regulatory control action was taken by placing US Reject/Retain tag (NO. B-45400145) on the knock box and establishment owner, Mr. REDACTED was notified of the non-compliance and of the regulatory control action.