[HankB]

Sounds like careless work at the processing plant to me.

I think the choice is yours as to whether to trim or not. If the ribs and attached meat are sticking out will they overcook before the butt is done? If so, then trim and cook separately for a snack part way through the smoke. If they're part of the butt, you could leave them on for extra flavor. Or trim them for a snack.