Attention: The Hon Will Hodgman MP, Premier of Tasmania

Attention: The Honourable Jeremy Rockliff MP, Deputy Premier of Tasmania, and Minister for DPIPWE

October 18 2017

In October and December, 2016, video footage of slaughterhouse atrocities inflicted on bobby calves, sheep, pigs, and cows, was forwarded to the DPIPWE (Tasmanian Department of Primary Industries , Parks, Water and Environment). It included vision of workers beating animals, kicking them repeatedly, using a shotgun, forcing them to walk on broken limbs, being thrown onto the conveyor belt, and multiple instances of ineffective stunning – i.e. Still conscious during slaughter (e.g. includes many having their throats slit while flailing and completely conscious). The footage was taken at Gretna Meats and Tasmanian Quality Meats.

All unlawful acts, however, a year later there are still no prosecutions or even charges, and the slaughterhouses are still killing animals.⁽¹⁾ According to Animal Liberation Tas records, it was not until March this year, that the DPIPWE commenced investigations, following ABC Television News featuring footage of bobby calf slaughter abuse.

Further damning evidence was screened by the ABC in July. I urge you to view the report via the two following links:

ABC NEWS Report on Abattoir Cruelty.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-07-05/delay-in-animal-cruelty-abattoir-case-angers-welfare-groups/8681332

Now, newly exposed footage from Cradoc Hill Abattoir, shows physical abuse of cows, sheep, and pigs, animals still conscious as a result of improper and ineffective stunning techniques, terrified animals trying to escape. And, throughout it all, verbal abuse including mocking, laughing at their victims. Note: “High standards of animal welfare and ethical slaughtering practices are a core part of how the Cradoc Hill Abattoir operates” – Huon Valley Meat Co. Again, I urge you to view the evidence of this third slaughterhouse exposed in a year (12.10.17): www.aussieabattoirs.com/slaughterhouses/cradoc *

So, where is the Tasmanian DPIPWE whilst these abuses are actually going on? They either don’t know, or know and are not acting. Either way, they are in dereliction of their duty of care to these animals, and could be considered equally culpable in the atrocities inflicted upon them. Where is RSPCA Tas?⁽²⁾ Is there some MOU between the two, for them not to interfere with animal agriculture issues?

Yet again, it falls to courageous animal charities to have to uncover these illegal atrocities inflicted on animals in slaughterhouses, and our invaluable media for giving it the light of day.
Yet again, it falls to the community to add their voice (e.g. One petition alone, on this specific case, has nearly 8,800 signatures, and counting), to say that we are thoroughly fed up of no consequences for perpetrators.

These defenceless animals, totally at the mercy of slaughterhouse workers, are also the victims of government and industry alliances, and a ludicrous conflict of interest where the same government department has both responsibility for animal welfare, AND for protecting the commercial interests of the animal agriculture industry. The establishment of an Independent Office of Animal Welfare (IOAW) is desperately, and urgently needed.

Further, workers abusing and torturing animals in slaughterhouses is taking place around the world, on a daily basis. It is the reason more and more countries are legislating for mandatory CCTV. France and England are just two of the most recent, 2015 in Israel. An Animals Australia petition has nearly 83,000 Australians, and counting, supporting mandatory CCTV.

Finally, further, growing global research continues to document ample evidence that the abusers also pose a most serious threat to society.⁽³⁾ So, for the sake of animals and people, it cannot be tolerated, must be seriously and swiftly addressed, and all involved face the most serious consequences commensurate with their savage and cowardly behaviour. Abusers who commit such heinous acts of animal cruelty on those most vulnerable, have done it before, they are doing it now, and they will do it again.

As Tasmanian Premier, and Deputy Premier and DPIPWE Minister, will you both undertake to ensure;

1 that the perpetrators are brought to justice;
2 the installation of independently monitored CCTV in all slaughterhouses;
3 that the police replace RSPCA Tas, as the responsible body to investigate and enforce animal protection laws and regulations;
4 the establishment of an Independent Office of Animal Welfare, before the next state election (by May 2018)?

I have addressed this for your specific attention, and I would appreciate a reply that reflects your serious consideration of this matter – Not a ‘standard’, or ‘forwarding to the Minister responsible’ reply please.

cc: All Tasmanian politicians, other selected State and Federal politicians, media, my email and FB networks –
globally.

(1) During the 15 months it took the DPIPWE to investigate the deaths of 62 cattle crossing Bass Strait in 2016,
10 more cattle were killed crossing the Bass Strait in similar circumstances.

(2) “Tasmanian abattoir must close immediately over animal cruelty claims, RSPCA says”
(Dr Bidda Jones, Chief Scientist, RSPCA Australia – not RSPCA Tas)
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-10-15/rspca-calls-for-tasmanian-abattoir-to-close-over-cruelty-claims/7935546

(3) e.g. An Australian study found that: “Abattoirs breed violence, study shows”
http://www.news.com.au/national/slaughterhouse-workers-are-more-likely-to-be-violent-study-shows/news-story/f16165f66f38eb04a289eb8bd7f7f273

“Overseas research has found that towns with abattoirs have higher rates of domestic violence and violent
crimes including murder and rape, which prompted the Australian team to investigate the situation here.”

“Flinders University senior sociology lecturer Dr Nik Taylor said it had been established that the more
positive a person’s attitude to animals, the lower their aggression levels, and that the reverse is also true –
if you’re cruel to animals, you’re more likely to be violent to humans.”

A copy of this letter was then sent to the Labor Opposition Leader on January 29,2018 …
Cheryl Forrest-Smith