Springfield Meat Company, Inc.: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2025 (USDA)

313.16(a)(1),313.16(a)(3)

On 07/31/2025 at approximately 0820 hours, I, the SPHV observed the following Humane Handling non-compliance at M9704: HATS Category VIII: Stunning Effectiveness: The knocking employee loaded a large yak into the holding pen in the knocking area to shoot it with a firearm. The shot taken did not immediately render the yak unconscious, as it kept standing quietly motionless. The employee immediately shot the animal again, and it collapsed, unconscious. This is non-compliant with 9 CFR 313.16(a)(1) and 313.16(a)(3). REDACTED Sr., Owner, was notified verbally and in writing of this non-compliance. The establishment operates under a Robust Systematic Approach for humane handling.

313.15(a)(1)

On 5/28/2025 at approximately 0830 hours, I, REDACTED (CSI) observed the following Humane Handling non-compliance at M9704: HATS Category VIII: Stunning Effectiveness The knocking employee loaded a black angus heifer into the knock box. The head locker was applied and the employee prepared to take a shot with a penetrating captive bolt gun. The shot taken did not fully penetrate the skull and did not immediately render the heifer unconscious. Another employee came over and rendered the animal unconscious with a shot to the poll area. This is non-compliant with 9 CFR 313.15(a)(1). Dr. REDACTED SPHV was on the kill floor at the time of the non-compliance. Given that the employee was immediately reassigned to a different position on the kill floor by the team lead on the kill floor, no further regulatory action was taken. REDACTED Owner, was notified verbally and in writing of this non-compliance. There are no similar non-compliances on file. Both employees are trained in stunning. The establishment operates under a Robust Systematic Approach for humane handling.