Time running out to charge abattoir: activists
Animal Liberation Queensland has accused the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries of dragging its feet as an investigation into alleged cruelty at Swickers Bacon Factory stretches on. In June 2022 ALQ captured drone footage at the abattoir that showed a sow going limp on a run into the factory. Over an hour she is repeatedly kicked, pushed, hit and sprayed with a high-pressure hose before her throat is cut.
Biosecurity Queensland launched an investigation which has gone unresolved almost a year later.
“We are growing increasingly concerned that the department may fail to prosecute an extremely clear case of animal cruelty at Australia’s largest pig slaughterhouse,” ALQ campaign manager Amanda Holly said.
“Unlike most crimes, here in Queensland, there is a 12-month limit on prosecutions for matters that involve animal cruelty.
“As the incident occurred in June last year, this means that there is now only one month left for the department to take action and press charges.
“This incident didn’t occur at a small operator. This occurred at our nation’s largest pig abattoir, right underneath CCTV cameras.
“The perpetrators were brazen and comfortable in behaving the way that they did in front of their peers.”
The footage was released in August, on the eve of Kingaroy’s annual Baconfest food festival, which is sponsored by the abattoir’s owner Sunpork.
At the time a spokeswoman for Sunpork said two workers involved were immediately stood down.
“Our processing sites are certified under the Australian Livestock Processing Industry Animal Welfare System,” she said.
“The committee regularly reviews standards to ensure that only producers who adhere to best practice in Australia are awarded this certification.”
When asked why there has been no resolution to the matter a Biosecurity Queensland spokesman said investigators were working with their statutory obligations.