Buckeye Butcher, LLC: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2025 (USDA)

313.1

On 4/10/25 at approximately 0721 hours, while performing a Humane Handling task and verifying HATS Category IV: Handling during Ante Mortem, I, the SPHV, observed a sheep slip and fall on the concrete in the holding pen. The sheep attempted to stand up but was unable to gain footing and was subsequently stepped on by approximately 3-4 sheep that were following closely behind during inspection. No vocalization was heard. Numerous strands of hay and liquid were present in the area where the sheep slipped. The sheep then gained its footing and stood and walked back to the herd. I immediately took regulatory control action and rejected the pen, applying retain tags No B-46617691 and B-46617492 to the pen. I notified HACCP Assistant, REDACTED and establishment owner, REDACTED of my findings and that a noncompliance would be issued. That the floor was not constructed and maintained to provide good footing for livestock represents noncompliance with 9 CFR 313.1(b). This non-compliance record is being linked with non-compliance record WRC2317101016.

313.1

On 10/16/24, at approximately 0926 hours, while performing a Humane Handling task and verifying HATS category: Handling During Ante Mortem Inspection, I, the SPHV, observed a steer slip and fall on the concrete in the holding pen. The steers hindlegs slipped first and then his hip, abdomen, and forelimbs made contact with the concrete. The steer immediately attempted to get up with some difficulty due to the smooth concrete and other steers located in close proximity. Once the steer stood up, he did not appear to have noticeable injury. Other steers were observed slipping during this time but did not fall. Feces and water had accumulated on the floor of the holding pen which is smooth concrete. I notified HACCP Assistant, Ms. REDACTED, of my findings and that a noncompliance would be issued. This represents noncompliance with 313.1(b).