9000 sign saleyards petition

Council urged to step in

MORE THAN 9000 people have signed a petition urging Lockyer Valley Regional Council to act in light of RSPCA and Biosecurity Queensland investigations into conditions at the Laidley Horse Saleyards.

The petition, started by Kathryn Barnes, is asking the council to act on claims sick horses were left with no water or shade during the last sales on December 30.

“Currently there are insufficient troughs to supply drinking water to each and every pen at the Laidley Sales Yard,” the petition reads.

“More irrigation works and infrastructure are required to be approved, funded and installed immediately by Lockyer (Valley) Regional Council who own the yards.”

Lockyer Valley Regional Council confirmed a meeting on January 17 would take place to consider possible sanctions on the saleyard, including a ban on

Currently there are insufficient troughs to supply drinking water to each and every pen at the Laidley Sales Yard. — Kathryn Barnes’ petition

auctioneers operating at the site.

Councillors will be taking a Department of Agriculture and Fisheries report into consideration.

At the time of writing, the petition titled “Water Troughs In Every Pen At The Laidley Sales Yards, QLD Australia” has garnered 9025 signatures supporting its cause.

The investigation was prompted initially last week after the RSPCA received complaints regarding the sales when temperatures tipped 30 degrees.