Schubert's Smokehouse Packing Co., Inc.: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2025 (USDA)

313.15(a)(1)

On April 23, 2025, at approximately 11:00 AM, while conducting a HATS Category VIII task, I, Dr. REDACTED, District Veterinary Medical Officer (DVMO), along with Consumer Safety Inspector Mr. REDACTED, observed a noncompliance issue. A heifer was placed in the knock box without its head being properly restrained. As a result, the animal was moving its head while the plant employee attempted to apply the captive bolt device. When the animal briefly stopped moving its head, the employee positioned the handheld captive bolt device (HHCB) at the back of the head and discharged it. Although the HHCB made contact, it was ineffective; the animal remained standing, conscious, and blinking its eyes. The employee then picked up a .357 magnum pistol, which was readily accessible and prepared for use, and administered a second stun on the forehead. At this point, the animal collapsed to the floor and became unconscious. To assess the stun sites, the hide was removed from the head, revealing two wounds: one at the center of the forehead from the pistol and another located on the right side at the back of the head. I then informed Mr. REDACTED, the owner, about the noncompliance. This was the last cattle to be slaughtered for the day. I explained to Mr. REDACTED that this situation violated 9 CFR 313.15(a)(1) and requested corrective action to prevent similar occurrences in the future.