CRIMES WITHOUT CONSEQUENCES - gpvec

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Crimes Without ConsequenCes
I observed a hog that broke its leg because of a hole in the floor of the scale used
to weigh lots of hogs. 108
While performing my duties, the following deficiencies were found: twisted
wire in ante-mortem pen that could cause injury to livestock, nails more than 5
[inches] sticking out in the alley, shattered boards in the ante-mortem pen. 109
The run up chute to the knocking box was found to be in disrepair. The metal
side had jagged edges which pose a hazard to the cattle as they walked by going
to the knocking box. 110
This holding pen has the following hazards that could potentially cause injury
to an animal: (1) 2 post lying on the ground of the pen with large nail spikes
protruding upward, (2) 2 partial cut 55 gallon metal drums on the ground with
sharp edges, (3) 2 pieces of the roofing with sharp edges on the ground, (4)
a tree limb with a protruding sharp limb, (5) a partial wire hog panel on the
ground with heavy wire protruding upwards, (6) wooden side panels with many
protruding nails, (7) many broken boards laying on the ground with sharp points
and some protruding nails. 111
Rendering animals insensible
The most serious deficiency, in terms of animal welfare, is the failure to render animals
insensible to pain prior to slaughter. Federal regulations state: “Stunning methods
approved in Sec. 313.30 shall be effectively applied to animals prior to their being
shackled, hoisted, thrown, cast, or cut.” 112 Following are examples of incidents where
animals were found to be conscious after having been shackled and hoisted or cut:
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I observed a hog being dropped into the scald tank that immediately started
moving. I stepped up on the ladder that was nearby to look in the scald tank and
observed the hog kicking and moving wildly, as if it were trying to get out. The
hog was also gasping for breath in the water. 113
I observed 2 hogs coming onto the kill floor which were either inadequately
stunned or stuck. One hog was jerking its unshackled hind leg. The second hog
jerked its hind leg when a trimmer attempted to cut the hide…. The district
humane handling expert concurs that hogs kicking 7 minutes post sticking are
either inadequately stunned or stuck. 114
I noticed a cow on the rail that was blinking its eyes and looked to be conscious,
cow had not been bled yet. I notified employee hanging the cows that the animal
had been improperly stunned (hole from captive bolt gun was off center). He
108 NR issued to plant #02594M on March 17, 2003.
109 NR issued to plant #21885M on January 9, 2003.
110 NR issued to plant #02934M on January 8, 2003.
111 NR issued to plant #11070M on November 5, 2003.
112 9 CFR 313.2(f).
113 NR issued to plant #21799M on December 31, 2002.
114 NR issued to plant #00760M on November 4, 2002.
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