Animal welfare at plant criticised

A poultry processing plant in Coupar Angus has come under fire after it was claimed it failed to meet industry standards in animal welfare.

A Freedom of Information investigation found thousands of farm animals in Scotland suffered over 700 breaches in welfare rules at a number of slaughterhouses across the country.

Cattle, sheep, pigs and chickens were found injured, emaciated, diseased or dead on arrival at the abattoirs investigated.

The names of the abattoirs were withheld, but the investigators highlighted the 2 Sisters plant in Coupar Angus for non-compliance and failing to meet industry standards to spare unnecessary or unavoidable suffering and distress.

In a statement, a spokesperson for the Coupar Angus factory said: “The highest standards of animal welfare will always be a top priority.

“The Food Standards Scotland audit in question graded our facility overall as satisfactory, which included 77 other measures complied with.

“A single case of historic non-compliance on birds held before slaughter was highlighted, which was picked up on a Food Standards Scotland review of our own welfare officer’s records.

“Due to machinery breakdown, birds were housed in our holding area overnight, as agreed by veterinary staff.

“They were monitored by welfare officers throughout, before proceeding to slaughter at 6am.

“This is technically measured as a non-compliance, but does not require any further action, and illustrates the depth and transparency of the Food Standards Scotland audit process.”

A spokesperson for the Scottish Government said: “Any mistreatment of animals, wherever it occurs, is completely unacceptable and given the seriousness of these figures we absolutely cannot be complacent.

“We are satisfied that Food Standards Scotland fully investigate any welfare breaches which have taken place at Scottish slaughterhouses and take all required enforcement action .”

Ian McWatt, from Food Standards Scotland, said: “We take proportionate action in relation to animal welfare breaches, which range from verbal advice, enforcement letters, welfare enforcement notices to investigations with a view to providing reports to the Procurator Fiscal, and if required the suspension or revocation of slaughterer’s certificate.”