Department of Primary Industries
NSW Food Authority
Media release
Slaughtering at Sydney abattoir stopped
9 February 2012
Action by the NSW Food Authority today has led to the shut down of slaughtering at a Sydney abattoir. This follows the Authority examining disturbing video footage of acts of gross animal mistreatment.
The video shows the slaughter of sheep, cattle, goats and pigs that allegedly breaches the Food Regulation 2010 and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979.
Australian standards under the Food Regulation 2010 require that "animals are slaughtered in a way that prevents unnecessary injury, pain and suffering to them and causes them the least practical disturbance."
A full investigation of slaughter practices at the site is now underway, which involves the RSPCA.
Non compliance of food and animal welfare laws is taken extremely seriously.
The welfare of animals in NSW is protected under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (POCTA) 1979 and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Regulation which are overseen by the NSW Department of Primary Industries.
Under POCTA fines of up to $110,000 or two years imprisonment apply for acts of aggravated acts of cruelty to animals.
The NSW Food Authority regulates abattoirs in NSW.
All abattoirs operating in NSW are required to hold a licence and operate in accordance with the Food Regulation 2010. Abattoirs are required to comply with the NSW Standard for the Hygienic Production and Transportation of Meat and Meat Products for Human Consumption.
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