Abattoir investigation closed without charges laid

Biosecurity Tasmania has closed its investigations into five abattoirs, saying that no further regulatory action was required.

The department launched the investigation following complaints received in December 2023 alleging suspected breaches of the Animal Welfare Act 1993 and the Primary Produce Safety Act 2011.

Activists had secretly installed cameras at Tasmanian Quality Meats, Scottsdale Pork, The Local Meat Co, Wal’s Bulk Foods and Gretna Meatworks, capturing footage they allege showed animal welfare breaches.

“While video footage was provided as part of the complaint, it was obtained without the 

knowledge or consent of the landowners and was determined to be unlikely to be 

admissible due to the circumstances in which it was obtained,” a Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (NRE Tas) spokesperson said.

“As a result, there was insufficient admissible evidence to sustain a prosecution.”

Four of the five abattoirs were issued with compliance notices under the Primary Produce Safety Act 2011.

“These notices required systems to be put in place to minimise potential animal welfare incidents and to ensure appropriate staff training. All notices have been fully complied with,” NRE said.

“All investigations have now been finalised and closed, with no further regulatory action required."