Animal Alliance Calls on Meat Industry to Support Mandatory CCTV in Abattoirs

The Australian Alliance for Animals has today released an open letter calling on leaders of the Australian pig and meat processing industries to demonstrate their commitment to transparency and support the mandatory use of CCTV in abattoirs, as part of the ongoing review of the national Standards and Guidelines for the Welfare of Animals at Slaughter Establishments. 

The open letter, jointly signed by Alliance member organisations and addressed to Australian Pork Limited and the Australian Meat Industry Council, comes in the wake of disturbing new footage aired on the ABC’s 7.30 program depicting pigs thrashing about and gasping for air while being lowered into CO2 gas chambers. 

Alliance for Animals Policy Director Dr Jed Goodfellow said it was time the industry showed the Australian public that it was as committed to animal welfare and transparency as it claims.  

“We hear a lot from meat and livestock industry groups about how committed they are to transparency, 

“Introducing CCTV as a regulatory requirement with third-party monitoring would be a very real and practical way for them demonstrate that commitment to the Australian community, 

“Australians care deeply about the welfare of animals and they want assurances that animals are being treated humanely, 

“Each year over 5 million pigs, 9 million cattle, 28 million sheep and 700 million chickens are slaughtered in Australian abattoirs, so the potential benefits of using CCTV to reduce the risk of poor handling and inhumane killing are significant. 

CCTV is fast becoming a regulatory requirement in an increasing number of countries around the world, where it has been identified as an effective compliance and assurance tool.  

The UK, Israel, Spain and several local jurisdictions in Europe have recently implemented the measure and it is also a regulatory requirement in Queensland for facilities that slaughter horses. 

Dr Goodfellow said it was time for CCTV to be rolled out nationally as a regulatory requirement in all facilities that slaughter animals. 

“This is a reasonable, common-sense measure that would help improve standards at abattoirs and give the Australian community greater confidence that the welfare of animals is being monitored.” 

NOTES FOR MEDIA 

For all media, photo and interview inquiries, please contact 0426 025 329 or email media@allianceforanimals.org.au.   

Dr Goodfellow is available for interviews:   

Dr Jed Goodfellow leads the Alliance’s law and policy reform agenda. He has over 20 years’ experience in animal welfare law, policy and advocacy. He completed his PhD in animal welfare regulation in 2015.  

About the Australian Alliance for Animals  
The Australian Alliance for Animals is a national charity leading a strategic alliance of Australia’s key animal protection organisations with a combined supporter base of over 2 million people. Core members include Animals Australia, Humane Society International Australia, World Animal Protection Australia, Compassion in World Farming, FOUR PAWS Australia, and Voiceless, the animal protection institute. Website: www.allianceforanimals.org.au