The Butcher Shop at Hyde Farms, LLC: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2024 (USDA)

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

HATS Category VIII: Stunning Effectiveness On 6/13/24 at approximately 1400 hours while performing the Livestock Humane Handling verification task on the kill floor of The Butcher Shop at Hyde Farms, I, CSI REDACTED observed the following non-compliance: The slaughter floor stun operator, Mr. REDACTED, who is also the plant owner, moved a swine animal into the knock box. He prepared to stun the animal with a 22 rifle, at which point I exited the room. A bar was placed behind the animal to prevent the animal from moving backwards. The initial stun attempt was made, I entered the room, and observed that the stun had contacted the animal but was ineffective, as the animal was observed standing upright and vocalizing. The stun operator put away the gun and retrieved a knife and stuck the still conscious animal’s neck. After this stick, the animal continued to vocalize and turned around in the chute facing to the rear. At this point it was stuck again while conscious, and finally expired. I then notified the establishment owner, REDACTED of the Non-Compliance and subsequently tagged the knock box with a U.S. Rejected/Retained Tag #B-45626731.

313.2

HATS Category III - Water and Feed Availability: On 06/5/24 at approximately 1220 hours while performing Humane Handling Task, I CSI REDACTED, observed the following noncompliance in the livestock holding pens at the Butcher Shop at Hyde Farms. I observed three pens of cattle with no access to water. I observed two of the pens with red hanging water buckets that were on the ground and appeared dry. On the third pen I observed a red water bucket hanging on the gate and was empty and appeared dry. There was a total of 8 head of cattle without water, and Mr. REDACTED, Owner, confirmed that the animals were designated for USDA slaughter. I immediately notified, REDACTED, Owner of the animals being without water and that it was a noncompliance with 9 CFR 313.2(e). Immediate corrective actions were taken by the establishment to provide water. This non-compliance is not associated with any previous non-compliance records within the past 90 days.