Golden City Meats, L.L.C.: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2025 (USDA)

313.2(f),313.30(a)(1),313.30(a)(4)

HATS Category VIII - Stunning Effectiveness On November 25, 2024, at approximately 1500 hours, I (CSI REDACTED) was performing a Humane Handling task, with DVMO Dr. REDACTED observing slaughter activities, for stunning effectiveness (HATS Category VIII) and observed the following noncompliance: Dr. REDACTED DVMO observed a market hog had been electrically stunned on the back of the head and then shocked a second time over the heart. According to the establishment, the hog was then stuck with a single beveled knife approximately 8 inches long, was observed bleeding, and was left outside for several minutes. I observed a second establishment employee open the door, shackle the hog’s rear leg, and start to hoist the hog. At this time the hog was still two-thirds of its body length on the ground and was attempting to right itself by raising its head from the ground, vocalizing loudly. I stepped over the hog and witnessed an establishment employee stick the animal a second time. Dr. REDACTED and I observed as the hog continued to vocalize repeatedly, softer in volume at this time. Dr. REDACTED observed as I checked the hog for responsiveness at this time, and it was clear the animal had regained consciousness, including rhythmic breathing, eyes tracking movement, and further vocalization. At approximately 1508 hours, Establishment Owner REDACTED applied a successful secondary stun to the forehead of the animal with a firearm. The firearm used was a .44 mag revolver using 180gr. jacketed hollow point ammunition. At 1512 CSI REDACTED applied U.S. Rejected Tag Number B20628137 to the knock box and informed Establishment Owner REDACTED of my observations and the forthcoming noncompliance for this egregious event and failure to meet 9 CFR 313.30 (a) (1), 9 CFR313.30 (a) (4), and 9 CFR 313.2(f).