Robert Winner Sons Inc.: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2023 (USDA)

313.30(a)(4)

At approximately 0905 hours I verbally notified REDACTED, Manager, of my decision to take regulatory control action to prevent the slaughter of animals. I advised Mr. REDACTED that I was contacting the District Office about possible enforcement action due to a humane handling noncompliance. I based my decision to take a regulatory control action on the following: On January 16, 2023, at approximately 0900 hours, I, REDACTED, Consumer Safety Inspector, and Dr. REDACTED, Supervisory Public Health Veterinarian, were performing the Livestock Humane Handling Verification task, HATS Category IX - Conscious Animals on the Rail, by observing the scalding process which followed after knocking and sticking areas, when the following noncompliance occurred. I heard squealing and was alerted to the scald tank after the production manager lifted the lid from the tank. The market hog inside the individual-sized tank was squealing, thrashing, and rapidly blinking its eyes. The production manager restuck the hog with a knife while it remained in the scald tank; the squealing, thrashing, and rapid blinking then subsided, and the hog was insensible shortly after being restuck. At this point I advised establishment employees that I was implementing a regulatory control action to halt the stunning process and placed U.S. Rejected tag number B35668535 on the knocking area; all previously-stunned animals were moved through the remainder of the slaughter process. This represents a regulatory noncompliance with 9 CFR 313.30(a)(4). A Notice of Suspension (NOS) was issued by the Chicago District Office upon review of the egregious humane handling event.