Yorks Butcher Shop: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2025 (USDA)

313.16(a)(1)

On 9/19/25, at approximately 0815hrs, while performing a humane handling verification task, IPP observed two pot belly pigs being run into the knock box. The owner, REDACTED, shot one and rendered it unconscious on the first shot. The second pig was shot and knocked down and then stood back up. REDACTED immediately shot it a second time and it fell onto its side and started to vocalize. He immediately shot the pig in the ear canal a third time and rendered it unconscious. The noncompliance is a violation of 9CFR 313.16(a), which speaks to the animal being rendered unconscious by the first gunshot administered. Owner REDACTED was notified of the noncompliance.

313.16(a)(1)

While conducting slaughter on 12/27/24 at approximately 9:00am the following noncompliance was observed. A pig was shot through the back of the head by the ear and was not rendered unconscious and began to vocalize. Immediately the plant delivered a second shot through the back of the head and the pig continued to vocalize but slumped to the ground. The plant opened the knock box and delivered a final and third shot through the front of the head rendering the pig unconscious. The noncompliance violated regulation 313.16(a)(1). Inspector tagged knock box and stepped out and informed PHV and after receiving the go ahead resumed slaughter. Once second pig was in the knock box a shot was delivered through the front of the pigs head and was not rendered unconscious and began to vocalize. A second shot was delivered immediately through the front of the head rendering the animal unconscious. The noncompliance violated regulation 313.16(a)(1). On postmortem examination it could be confirmed that there were two points of entry in the pig's skull. Plant owner was notified of this noncompliance.