Activists with Secret Cameras Spark Slaughterhouse Investigation
A group of activists who planted surveillance cameras in Queensland slaughterhouses have sparked a government probe into alleged animal cruelty. The footage, which shows the brutal treatment of animals during slaughter, has raised concerns about the welfare of livestock and the industry's adherence to laws and regulations.
The Farm Transparency Project (FTP), an animal rights group, had installed cameras at seven southern Queensland slaughterhouses in August and September last year. The footage, which includes images of animals remaining conscious during slaughter, has been viewed by Biosecurity Queensland investigators, who are using it as potential evidence in any future criminal prosecution.
A Distressing Discovery
The footage shows a beheading of a fully conscious sheep at Carey Brothers Abattoir west of Brisbane. The scene depicts the slaughterer throwing the severed head on the floor with other carcasses, while the animal struggles to its death.
Other footage from the abattoirs shows animals thrashing and gasping during slaughter, including pigs and cows. Some animals are shown showing signs of consciousness after their throats have been slit.
A System that Relys on Self-Reporting
The meat industry has a system in place for reporting CCTV footage to authorities, but it relies heavily on self-reporting. This means that slaughterhouses are unlikely to voluntarily hand over evidence of animal cruelty, making it difficult for authorities to investigate.
According to barrister Mr. McDougall, who prosecuted a case involving greyhound trainer Tom Noble in 2016, footage obtained illegally by trespass can be admitted as evidence in court. This means that the activists' efforts to gather evidence have potentially opened up new avenues for investigation and prosecution.
A History of Controversy
The Farm Transparency Project has been at the center of controversy since its website published farmers' addresses in 2019. The group's charity status was revoked, and an activist's mother, a senior federal government bureaucrat, was sanctioned over the use of her ABN to register the group's website.
However, despite this backlash, the activists have continued to provide authorities with potential evidence of animal cruelty. Mr. McDougall says that footage obtained illegally by trespass can be admitted as evidence in court, and it is "pretty hard to challenge" once admitted.
Investigation Underway
A spokesman for Queensland's Department of Primary Industries has confirmed that the department is investigating complaints received from the Farm Transparency Project alleging animal welfare offences at seven Queensland abattoirs last year.
"As this matter is currently under investigation, we cannot provide any further information at this time," he said in a statement.