Abattoir in Sydney, Australia Closed Down for Suspected Animal Cruelty
The Hawkesbury Valley abattoir in Sydney, Australia was closed down in early February over allegations of animal cruelty. Secretly filmed footage shows a number of serious animal rights violations taking place within the abattoir, which cannot be tolerated under Australian law. Scenes of pigs being dragged around and beaten on the head with a metal bar, and inefficient stunning of animals before slaughter were enough for authorities to shut down the operation pending an investigation into practices.
Footage from Indonesian abattoirs showing animal cruelty resulted in Australia placing a ban on live exports a year ago in an attempt to improve animal treatment in Indonesia. After a new set of standards and rules was drawn up by Australia for Indonesian abattoirs to follow, the ban was lifted. Tension was caused between Indonesia and Australia at the time with Indonesia’s Minister of Agriculture complaining the move was unfair. This export issue makes this most recent infringement within Australia’s own abattoirs all the more embarrassing. Indonesia’s Deputy Minister of Agriculture has steered clear of commenting on this new scandal, saying only that it is a matter for Australia to deal with themselves. The animal rights groups who formerly protested the Indonesian abattoirs are now pointing their anger internally and being openly critical of Australia’s own system.