MEN’S SHED PIG SLAUGHTER CLAIMS

Police investigate claims of illegal slaughter of pigs, sheep

FORREST Men’s Shed is caught up in a scandal and multi-agency investigation into the alleged illegal killing and butchering of pigs and sheep.

Police say pigs were slaughtered and cut up at the building usually used by the Men’s Shed, before the meat was distributed in the area.

Police launched an investigation after several residents of the usually sleepy rural township and community complained.

The Colac-Otway Shire and meat regulatory body PrimeSafe are also involved in the investigation.

Forrest police Leading Senior Constable Matt Roberts said it was alleged two pigs and some sheep were slaughtered and butchered at a ColacOtway Shire-owned property used by Forrest Men’s Shed.

Police say about 10 other pigs were shot off-site and transported to the Men’s Shed building.

Sen-Constable Roberts said the butchered meat that had been distributed had not been located.

A Forrest Men’s Shed spokesman said the group’s committee had not organised, and did not condone, the alleged activity.

He said members of the group were concerned by the allegations and were assisting authorities with their inquiries.

Police have interviewed a 64-year-old Winchelsea man in relation to the illegal discharge of firearms. It is unknown whether this man is a member of Forrest Men’s Shed.

The shire’s acting chief executive, Robert Dobryznski, said council had received complaints from members of the Forrest community and questions from police regarding the inappropriate use of the Forrest Men’s Shed and the site it is located on.

“The Men’s Shed is a fantastic facility for Forrest, however, these allegations suggest there may have been inappropriate use of that facility,” Mr Dobryznski said.

“Once the issue is resolved, council will support the group’s continued use of the shed.”

Mr Dobryznski said council had determined Forrest Men’s Shed had breached a local law in the keeping of livestock without a permit on a block less than .25ha.

Meat regulation body PrimeSafe confirmed it was aware of the investigation and was assisting police and other authorities.

“PrimeSafe is currently conducting an investigation with Victoria Police and Local Government into the illegal slaughter of pigs and sale of meat in the Colac area,” a spokesman said.

PrimeSafe said all meat produced for human consumption and sale in Australia had to come from livestock slaughtered at a licensed abattoir where compliance with Australian Standards for food safety, and animal welfare are monitored by Government regulators.