An investigation into alleged animal cruelty at Echuca abattoir Riverside Meats has been launched, Agriculture Minister Jaala Pulford has revealed.
“Footage has emerged showing inexcusable behaviour by staff at Riverside Meats in Echuca,” Ms Pulford said in a statement.
“Victoria’s meat and seafood regulator, PrimeSafe, took immediate action after receiving a complaint.
“PrimeSafe identified breaches of the mandatory welfare standards and has imposed sanctions on the abattoir and directed them to make modifications to infrastructure, equipment and procedures, and retrain staff.
Ms Pulford said weekly audits had been ordered until Riverside Meats could demonstrate compliance with Australian standards.
“I remain concerned by the nature and seriousness of these allegations. If laws have been broken those responsible should be properly held to account,” she said.
“That’s why last night I asked the Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Charles Milne, to lead an additional investigation by Agriculture Victoria to identify whether any breaches of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 have occurred and if so, to determine what further action should be taken to hold those responsible to account.
“Victorians will not stand for such deliberate cruelty to animals and neither will the Labor Government.”
