The Queensland government initiated an investigation into alleged animal cruelty at seven slaughterhouses following evidence provided by the Farm Transparency Project (FTP). The animal rights group, once targeted by politicians, has now sparked a probe that could lead to criminal prosecutions.
FTP activists covertly installed surveillance cameras in southern Queensland slaughterhouses, capturing hundreds of hours of footage showing distressing scenes of animal suffering. The footage, now in the hands of Biosecurity Queensland investigators, reveals multiple alleged breaches of state and federal laws. Two of the slaughterhouses received state taxpayer-funded upgrades in 2020, including Carey Brothers, which received $250,000.
Harley McDonald-Eckersall, FTP campaign director, stated: “David Littleproud should maybe have a bit more of an eye on his community and what’s happening right under his nose, rather than being critical of the only people who are investigating and exposing what is happening to animals in Australia.”
The investigation encompasses several major suppliers and grant recipients. Notably, four of the slaughterhouses under scrutiny are located in David Littleproud’s electorate of Maranoa. Mr Littleproud, who previously declared that FTP had “no place in society”, now acknowledges that “any breach of animal welfare standards is serious and should be investigated by the relevant authorities.”
Alastair McDougall, a Brisbane barrister experienced in prosecuting animal cruelty cases, commented on the footage: “If that is the way that animals are being slaughtered, it needs to stop because in my respectful view, there’s an element of cruelty in that process… [And] if it’s cruel, it’s a criminal offence.”
The investigation raises questions about the effectiveness of self-reporting systems and mandatory CCTV in slaughterhouses. As the probe unfolds, it may lead to significant changes in the oversight of animal welfare practices in the meat industry.
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