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

313.15(a)(1)

HATS Category VIII - Stunning Effectiveness On December 14th, 2023, at approximately 0915 hours, while performing humane handling verification activities at Establishment #9958, I, CSI REDACTED, and SPHV, Dr. REDACTED, observed the following Noncompliance. The Establishment moved a beef steer into the stun box. The Stunning Operator, REDACTED positioned himself to stun the animal with a hand-held captive bolt. We heard the captive bolt discharge. Mr. REDACTED immediately turned his head in our direction and motioned his head that the attempt was not effective. IPP heard the steer vocalizing and moving around in the stun box. Mr. REDACTED then notified USDA personnel that he was going to then utilize the 22 mag firearm, and IPP moved to the designated safe area. The firearm discharged once, IPP heard the animal drop, and Mr. REDACTED verbally stated, "all clear". Dr. REDACTED and I confirmed that the 2nd stunning attempt was resulted in unconsciousness (animal was hoisted, tail limp, tongue hanging, and no signs of consciousness). It remained unconscious during the dressing procedure. After the skull was skinned, Dr. REDACTED verified that there were 2 distinct holes in the top of the skull. There was a 1 cm diameter hole (from the captive bolt) about 0.5 cm to the right of the midline. When Dr. REDACTED put her finger in the hole, she could tell that it had only entered the right frontal sinus and the brain had not been penetrated. There was a 0.25 cm hole (from the firearm) on the midline and about 0.5 cm caudal to the larger hole. Mr. REDACTED and Mr. REDACTED, Plant Owner, were immediately notified of the Noncompliance and the Establishment’s failure to adhere to the regulatory requirements of 9 CFR 313.15(a)(1).