Complaints

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:12/20/2023

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  On 12/11/23 I took a **w to ***** packaging due to **w broke his foot while loading into trailer..went straight to the packing ** to sale the **w. Cow was fine and still walking even with the broke foot/hoof. Waited on my check for a week with no word from ***** so went to ***** to see what the hold up was and was told my **w had died therfore they were not paying me. So now I have no **w and no money. What happened to my **w after it supposed to have died? Why was I not **ntacted so I **uld pick it up right away. They STOLE my **w and was VERY rude to me when I questioned them.

  Business Response

  Date: 01/29/2024

  
  
  Subject: Response to Complaint ID ******** against H&B Packing **** ***.
  Dear Better Business Bureau Corporate Office,
  I am writing to address and provide clarification regarding the complaint filed against our establishment, H&B Packing ********** by ******************************* under Complaint ID ********. We take customer concerns seriously and appreciate the opportunity to provide our perspective on the matter.
  ******************' complaint revolves around the delivery of an animal to our facility with a broken foot. While he acknowledges the injury, he alleges that we stole his cow and treated him rudely when he questioned our establishment. It is crucial to note that we adhere to strict animal welfare practices as outlined by the *********************** (AMI) and the ************* ********** of *********** Food ************************* (****-FSIS).
  According to the complaint, ******************' animal had a broken foot but was still walking when delivered. We can confirm this statement as we do not accept non-ambulator cattle as livestock that are unable to walk-off of the trailer under their own power with minimal assistance. However, animals that are offered for ********* are harvested in a first in-first out basis, meaning that ****************** cow would not go directly to the harvest line, but rather would be placed in a holding pen until it was in order to be harvested. While in the holding pen, the animal became non-ambulatory and unable to rise from a recumbent position, a condition that falls under ****-FSIS Directive ******. This directive clearly states that ante-mortem inspection is required for all non-ambulatory disabled cattle unless the establishment elects to condemn and humanely destroy such animals before inspection.
  In this case, our establishment elected to condemn the animal due to its inability to rise, in compliance with humane handling practices and federal regulations. We made every effort allowed by law to assist the animal in regaining its footing, but unfortunately, it remained non-ambulatory. The **** staff was informed of the situation, and the animal was tracked as a DOA (Dead on Arrival). The animal was then denatured and diverted to the inedible rendering system.
  Our commitment to following federal regulations is unwavering. We are under constant oversight from the ****-FSIS, ensuring the implementation of regulations related to the handling and humane ********* of animals at our facility.
  We understand ******************' frustration with the situation, but it is essential to recognize that our actions were guided by federal regulations, and we are not in the business of thievery. The slander of our family business is unwarranted, and we stand by the integrity of our operations as we are a globally recognized brand that has been an integral part of the ***** Agricultural sector since ****. The trust we have built and the relationships we have with our cattle suppliers and end consumers alike are one of the reasons we have remained in business for nearly 70 years.
  In the future, we do recommend that ****************** or any other customer contact us before delivering injured animals to our facility. This proactive communication would allow us to advise on options and discuss the potential challenges associated with the humane ********* and inspection process, as outlined in the Federal Regulations.
  We would also like to add that the regulation cited, and all other regulated practices are available as a free resource on the ****-FSIS website @ *************************. We encourage all livestock owners to research the regulations to stay current with relevant codes of practice that *** pertain to their business or their personal livestock. I have also attached a copy of FSIS Directive ****** (Rev. 3) for your review.
  We appreciate your attention to this matter and are willing to address any further inquiries from the Better Business Bureau or ****************** as they *** arise.
  Thank you for your understanding.
  Sincerely,
  H&B Packing **** ***