Bierig Brothers Inc.: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2025 (USDA)
See the detail of the non-compliance of humane livestock handling that the USDA observed at the Bierig Brothers Inc. slaughterhouse establishment in 2025.
You can also see other establishments that were non-compliant in 2025.
313.2
On June 16, 2025, at approximately 0600, while completing the Livestock Humane Handling Verification Task, I, CSI REDACTED, observed a humane handling non-compliance in Pen 4. Animals housed in this pen did not have access to potable water, which is a violation of humane handling requirements. At the time of inspection, the water receptacles in Pen 4 were either empty or inoperable, and no alternative source of drinking water was available to the animals. This condition constitutes a non-compliance under 9 CFR § 313.2(e), which requires that all animals have access to water in holding pens at all times. Lack of access to water presents a significant risk to animal welfare, particularly in warm conditions or when animals are held for extended periods. Water deprivation can result in dehydration, increased stress, and deterioration in overall health and well-being. I notified management of the issue at approximately 0600. At approximately 0625, following a second notification by Dr. REDACTED, management took action to restore water access. While the situation was ultimately corrected, the delay and need for repeated notification highlights the importance of continuous monitoring and prompt response to ensure compliance with animal welfare standards.
313.15(a)(3)
On April 7, 2025, I, SPHV REDACTED observed the following egregious humane handling noncompliance at approximately 7:10 am. At approximately 5:30am, a nonambulatory calf was offloaded from the trailer. The establishment attempted to euthanize the calf by applying a captive bolt to the back of the head. A trained inspector observed the captive bolt being applied and did not observe any signs of consciousness following the shot. At approximately 7:10am, I observed the calf laying in lateral position in the suspect pen. I examined it closer and observed that the calf was shivering, had a corneal reflex, and vocalized when I touched it. I immediately notified REDACTED that the calf had regained consciousness. He applied another captive bolt shot to the back of the head. The calf again vocalized and still had a corneal reflex. He then applied a captive bolt shot to the front of the head and the calf was rendered unconscious. Slaughter operations were suspended at approximately 7:10am and the knock box was tagged with tag number B40490235. I notified REDACTED of the egregious humane handling incident. This is a noncompliance for 9 CRP 313.15a(3) which states that immediately after the stunning blow is delivered the animals shall be in a state of complete unconsciousness and remain in this condition throughout shackling, sticking and bleeding.
313.2
On April 5, 2025, at approximately 06:30am, the following noncompliance was observed. I, SPHV REDACTED observed that there was no water in the water trough in the holding pen closest to the stairs from the slaughter floor to the pens. Several calves were held in the pen at that time and did not have access to water. Mr. REDACTED plant owner, was alerted to the noncompliance and immediately turned on the water system, so the calves had access to water. This is a noncompliance for 9 CFR 313.2(e) which states that animals shall have access to water in all holding pens.
