Victoria Livestock: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2025 (USDA)

313.1

On 08/26/25 at approximately 9:00 am, while observing livestock humane handling in the large pen area during a safety inspection walkthrough with REDACTED (Deputy District Manager),REDACTED (Occupational Safety Specialist), and REDACTED (FLS), I, Dr. REDACTED (SPHV) witnessed one animal (sheep) lying on the ground towards the front of the pen by the pen door. I approached the front of the pen and lightly tapped the lateral canthus of the eye of the animal to see if the animal would right itself. As I did this, the animal tried to get up but then slipped and fell down again. REDACTED, Plant Manager and Co-Owner, was immediately notified. The animal did not get back up until after REDACTED instructed an establishment employee to move the animal out of the pen. The animal got back up on all four limbs and was mobile only after being moved outside of the pen. The fall demonstrates that the floors in the pens were not maintained to prevent slipping, as required by 9CFR 313.1 (b), which states: “Livestock pens, driveways, and ramps shall be maintained in good repair. Floors of livestock pens, driveways, and ramps shall be constructed and maintained to provide good footing for livestock. Livestock pens shall be maintained in a condition which will prevent injury to the livestock.” This noncompliance shows that the establishment failed to maintain the floors in a manner that prevents animals from slipping and falling, which presents an animal welfare concern. Failure to provide good footing for livestock compromises humane handling and creates a risk of injury, in violation of the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act of 1958. The immediate corrective action that the establishment implemented was spreading hay throughout the pen. Dr. REDACTED (SPHV) USDA Veterinary Medical Officer Badge #: REDACTED