Wright's Packing Co.: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2025 (USDA)

313.2

HATS Category III: Availability of Food and Water On 09/22/2025, Inspector REDACTED was performing antemortem inspection at Est. M8559 at approximately 0800. Inspector REDACTED observed the following noncompliance. There was two beef in pen #3, one beef in pen #4, and another two beef in pen #5. All six beef were presented for inspection. In Pen #3 (the third pen from the entry door to the barn) that had knocked over its water barrel. Both pen #4 and #5 pens had full barrels of water. There were also four swine located in Pen #1. This pen is supplied with both water and feed for tomorrow's lot. REDACTED, slaughter supervisor, and REDACTED, establishment employee, were verbally notified of the noncompliance for the two beef in Pen #3. REDACTED immediately provided fresh water. This is noncompliance with 9 CFR 313.2(e), which states that "animals shall have access to water in all holding pens".

313.1

Category IV: Handling During Antemortem On 03/27/2025, at approximately 0815 while performing antemortem on three bovines and eight swine, Inspector REDACTED observed a noncompliance. While Inspector REDACTED was observing a single steer located in pen five, which is next to the entrance/exit to the outside loading dock door, she saw that there was a loose piece of metal within the confines of the pen. The steer appeared to be playing with the piece of metal, lifting it with his head and trying to climb under it to get to the other pen. The steer was not injured. REDACTED, establishment slaughter supervisor, was immediately notified of the noncompliance. Mr. REDACTED then moved the steer into the knock box and out of the pen. This noncompliance is in violation of 9 CFR 313.1(a), which states: "livestock pens, driveways, and ramps shall be maintained in good repair. They shall be free from sharp or protruding objects which may, in the opinion of the inspector, cause injury or pain to the animal."

313.2

HATS Category III: Availability of Food and Water On 2/11/2025, SPHV REDACTED was performing antemortem inspection at Est. M8559 at approximately 0800. SPHV REDACTED observed the following noncompliance. There was one heifer that was presented for inspection in Pen #2 (the second pen from the entry door to the barn) that had knocked over its water barrel. There was a large chunk of barrel-shaped ice on the floor of the pen, indicating that the water in the barrel had been frozen solid prior to the animal knocking the barrel over and was inaccessible for drinking. There was a dairy cow in Pen #3 (the third pen from the entry door to the barn) that had a barrel full of water that was frozen solid. The dairy cow in Pen #3 was not presented for inspection and was to be slaughtered as a custom animal. There were also multiple swine located in Pens #4 and #5, and since these pens both have nipples for water access, the swine all did have access to adequate amounts of drinking water. REDACTED, slaughter supervisor, and REDACTED, establishment employee, were verbally notified of the noncompliance for the animal in Pen #2. REDACTED immediately provided fresh, unfrozen water for the bovines in the pens. This is noncompliance with 9 CFR 313.2(e), which states that "animals shall have access to water in all holding pens". This noncompliance is linked to NR #YGB3811013029N/2, which was written on 1/29/2025.

313.2

HATS Category III: Availability of Food and Water On 1/29/2025, at approximately 0820, while performing a Livestock Humane Handling task during antemortem inspection, CSI REDACTED observed the following noncompliance. Prior to entering the barn to perform antemortem inspection, CSI REDACTED asked REDACTED, establishment employee, if he was finished in the barn so she could look at the animals. He said he was finished. There were 8 animals in the barn in total- 4 swine and 4 bovines. CSI REDACTED saw one swine in the bull pen (by the exit/entrance from outside the barn) without water. The water in pens number three and four, which are located next to the larger pens by the exit/entrance to outside, was completely frozen solid and was unable to be drank by the bovines in these pens. REDACTED, slaughter supervisor, and REDACTED were immediately notified of the noncompliance. After being notified of these findings, REDACTED addressed the noncompliance. He supplied the swine with a bucket of water and the bovines with fresh unfrozen water. This noncompliance is in violation of 9 CFR 313.2(e), which states, animals shall have access to water in all holding pens and, if held longer than 24 hours, access to feed.