Fallon Livestock Processing, LLC: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2025 (USDA)

313.1

On September 03, 2025, at approximately 1700 hours, I SPHV Dr. REDACTED was conducting Odd Hour inspections as Establishment M47488 when I observed the following noncompliance with HATS task # IV Antemortem Inspection (Facilities). While walking through the pens, I observed that the establishment had added new wooden frames to the pens to better secure the pen numbers and their signs to differentiate USDA from Custom Exempt livestock. These wooden frames are secured to the pens with a silver wire that is short enough to prevent any immediate access from livestock and the potential for injury as most of them are twisted in a way that they are tucked away from the livestock’s reach. At most these coiled pieces of wire measure 3mm in length. In pen number 4, which is the only covered pen space the wooden frame that was placed on this pen was attached using a different type of metal wire. This wire was brown in color and was looser and longer than the wire used for the other wooden frames. The establishment had secured this wooden board with the wire in a way that they looped the wire so that the unsharp edge faces inside of the pen, and the longer pointed sharp edge is facing outside. As I made my way closer, after inspecting the other livestock on site, I observed that there was a USDA lamb that started biting at the lose metal wire holding the pen number 4 wooden frame. As it continued to bite at the wire it was able to pull one of the sharp ends into the pen. At the start of this task, establishment management had already left for the day, and during this task, I didn’t observe the lamb wound itself with the wire while it chewed at it. At approximately 1750 hours, when I had finished inspecting the area where the lamb was held, I informed Plant Manager REDACTED of the above noncompliance via text message. I also informed him that I would not be placing a U.S. reject tag onto the pen and how this did not require his immediate corrective action before the end of today as I did not observe an immediate risk to the lambs wellbeing during the time of my inspection, but there is enough wire length to cause a potential hazard for itself and other future livestock that get placed in this pen as it measured approximately 3 inches in length while it faced into the pen. The above is not in noncompliance with 9 CFR 313.1(a), this noncompliance will not be associated as there have been no noncompliance records of similar cause or circumstance issued within the last 90 days. Per 9 CFR 313.1 (a); Livestock pens, driveways and ramps shall be maintained in good repair. They shall be free from sharp or protruding objects which may, in the opinion of the inspector, cause injury or pain to the animals. Loose boards splintered or broken planking, and unnecessary openings where the head, feet, or legs of an animal may be injured shall be repaired.

313.16(a)(1)

On 02/11/2025, at approximately 0828 hours, I, CSI REDACTED, and SPHV Dr. REDACTED, observed the following humane handling noncompliance while verifying HATS Category VIII (Stunning Effectiveness) at Fallon Livestock, Establishment M47488: While standing in the designated firearm safety area, I heard the establishment apply a first stun to a large sow (approximately 750 pounds) using the firearm. After the initial shot, I heard the hog vocalizing (squealing) loudly and it remained conscious. Shortly after, I heard the establishment fire a second shotgun round. After the second stun, I observed the Plant Manager open the stun box door where I observed the animal was effectively rendered unconscious. I observed the sow’s head had two entry points, confirming two stunning attempts had occurred. In accordance with 9 CFR 313.50(c), I applied U.S. Rejected Tag #B38460150 to the knock box. I informed the Plant Manager, Mr. REDACTED, of the noncompliance and that the Alameda District Office would be informed through supervisory channels. This is non-compliant with 9 CFR 313.16.(a)(1) because the establishment failed to render the animal unconscious with a single shot from the firearm and with a minimum of excitement and discomfort.

313.2

On February 10, 2025, at approximately 1900 hours, I SPHV Dr. REDACTED was conducting Odd Hour inspections as Establishment M47488 when I observed the following noncompliance with HATS task # III water & feed availability. As I was walking through the pens, I observed that there were 3 hogs being held in pen 2 with a green water container that was tied to the fencing that had been tipped over and emptied. There was a round metal container and a cylinder-shaped plastic container that were both empty. At approximately 1930 hours, I sent Plant Manager REDACTED a text message explaining the above observation and letting him know that I would be issuing a noncompliance under the HATS task for water availability. The above noncompliance will not be associated as there have been no noncompliance’s of similar cause or circumstance issued within the last 90 days. A U.S. reject tag was not applied to the pen due to Mr. REDACTED immediate corrective actions to stop by the establishment to provide water to the hogs. The above is not in compliance with 9 CFR 313.2(e); Per 9 CFR 313.2(e); Animals shall have access to water in all holding pens and, if held longer than 24 hours, access to feed. There shall be sufficient room in the holding pen for animals held overnight to lie down.

313.16(a)(1)

On October 8, 2024, at approximately 0920 hours while conducting a HATS task (Stunning Effectiveness), I, CSI REDACTED, observed the following noncompliance. During slaughter of a market size hog, I heard the .410 shotgun caliber rifle fired. I was standing near the restrainer. After the initial shot was fired, I heard the hog vocalizing (screaming) after it was shot. I immediately went inside the restrainer and saw the hog still standing up, and the initial shot had penetrated the head. The hog had a continuous rhythmic breathing and was still conscious. After approximately 20 seconds Plant Manager, REDACTED fired a second shot. The second stunning attempt rendered the hog unconscious immediately. In accordance with 9 CFR 313.50(c), I took regulatory control action and applied U.S. Reject tag No. B19416900 to the restrainer and informed Mr. REDACTED of the noncompliance. Upon examination of the head after it had been skinned, there were two penetrating holes in the forehead. The first hole was approximately a quarter inch to the right below the center of the skull. The second hole was in the middle of the forehead. This is non-compliant with Title 9 CFR 313.16(a)(1) which states, “The firearms shall be employed in the delivery of a bullet or projectile into the animal in accordance with this section so as to produce immediate unconsciousness in the animal by a single shot before it is shackled, hoisted, thrown, cast, or cut. The animal shall be shot in such a manner that they will be rendered unconscious with a minimum of excitement and discomfort.”