La Vaca Meat Processors, LLC: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2025 (USDA)

313.15(a)(1)

On April 23, 2025 at approximately 1300 while performing HAT category VIII task, I CSI REDACTED observed the stun operator Mr. REDACTED stun the 24th cow of 25 in the knock box on the kill floor with a captive bolt. The 1st attempt contacted the cows head as seen by a hole in the cow's head, and it was ineffective as the cow remained standing and was trying to pull and push out of the head restraint. Mr. REDACTED reloaded the same captive bolt and applied an immediate second knock that caused the cow to collapse and rendered into complete unconsciousness as confirmed by sensory check, the cow remained unconscious through bleeding. I informed Mr. REDACTED the plant manager that I will be documenting a noncompliance for the plant failure to comply with 9 CFR 313.15(a)(1). Recent similar noncompliance in the last 90 days has been documented and the plant has a robust systematic program; they are currently under enforcement. This NR will be linked to NR# ONQ2511041408N.

313.15 (b)(1)(ii)

On 04/10/25 at Establishment #1814 on the slaughter floor, at approximately 0655, while performing the Humane Handling task, I CSI REDACTED, observed establishment employee Jessie who is trained to operate the captive bolt for stunning, apply the first knock with the captive bolt device on animal (Heifer) #2, but the device did not fire. He tried again but once again the device did not fire. He picked up the backup captive bolt device and again attempted to knock the animal (Heifer). The device activated and establishment employee REDACTED performed a sensibility check and stated the animal was still breathing and advised me that he was going to perform the secondary knock. He then replaced the cartridge and attempted to apply the secondary shot. The captive bolt device activated, and establishment employee performed a sensibility check and stated that the animal was still breathing. Employee stated he was going to use the shot gun as per the Establishments' Humane Handling and Slaughter program and at 0700, the animal was finally rendered unconscious, and I observed that the eyes of the animal (Heifer) were a blank stare without any eye movement. The first stun attempt by the captive bolt did not fire on animal (Heifer) #3 and animal (Heifer) # 6. In both cases, on the second stun attempt the captive bolt activated and hit the animal (Heifer), but the employee stated that the animals were still breathing, and he administered a shot with the backup .410 shotgun that rendered each cattle (Heifer) #3 & #6. After each stun attempt that hit each animal (heifer) the eyes were blank stare without any eye movement. I notified Plant Owner REDACTED and Plant Manager REDACTED that I will be stopping their slaughter process and placing a USDA Hold Tag on the knock box due to the 3 missed-fire stunning attempts with the captive bolt and a Non-Compliance will be forthcoming. I placed USDA Hold Tag #B-46 507309 on the front of the knock box. Due to the faulty captive bolt device the establishment failed to comply with: 9 CFR 313.15(b)(1)(ii): To assure uniform unconsciousness with every blow, compressed air devices must be equipped to deliver the necessary constant air pressure and must have accurate, constantly operating air pressure gauges. Gauges must be easily read and conveniently located for use by the stunning operator and the inspector. For purposes of protecting employees, inspectors, and others, it is desirable that any stunning device be equipped with safety features to prevent injuries from accidental discharge. Stunning instruments must be maintained in good repair.

313.15(a)(1)

At approximately 10:00am and 10:50am on 04/04/2025 I, CSI REDACTED observed the following noncompliance on the kill floor. While observing the stunning of the 6th and 7th cows, both did not go unconscious with 1st captive bolt, 2nd captive bolt was effective; the 410 slug was used as a security knock. I notified Plant Manager Mr. REDACTED and Mr. REDACTED (Plant owner) that this is considered a Humane Handling Noncompliance since the 1st captive bolt did not render the cattle unconscious. This establishment is noncompliant with 9 CFR 313.15(a)(1): Immediate unconsciousness (captive bolt).

313.15(a)(3),313.15(a)(1)

HAT Category IX – Regain Conscious 9 CFR 313.15(a)(3) HAT Category VIII – ineffective stun 9 CFR 313.15(a)(1) At approximately 7:40am on 04/01/2025 I, CSI REDACTED observed the following noncompliance on the kill floor. While observing the stunning of the 3rd cow, the stunning employee knocked the cow with one captive bolt from a captive bolt gun then proceeded to open the trap door to move on to the evisceration step. After approximately 30 seconds, when the cow was about to be hoisted it regained consciousness and stood up and started walking around in the kill floor. The cow proceeded to the kill floor processing area where employees were able to finally rope the cow and walk it back to the restraint box in the kill floor after approximately 5 minutes. The cow was restrained and knocked a 2nd time with the same captive bolt. The knock contacted the cow's head, but it was ineffective as the cow remained standing. A 3rd knock was applied with the backup captive bolt gun, and the cow became unconscious once more. I immediately notified Plant Manager Mr. REDACTED that slaughter must be stopped. U.S. Rejection tag #B27-647349 was applied to the knock box. Production was allowed to finish the three hanging carcasses already in production. Mr. REDACTED (Plant owner) was also notified after the occurrence. This establishment is noncompliant with 9 CFR 313.15(a)(1): Immediate unconsciousness (captive bolt) and 313.15(a)(3): Remain Unconscious. The plant does not have robust systematic approach program.