NSW abattoir abuse reforms 'inadequate': animal group

18/05/2012 - Reforms to stop abuse of animals at NSW abattoirs have been dismissed as inadequate by a welfare organisation.

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The reforms were drafted after an outcry over video footage shot by animal rights group Animal Liberation of animals being mistreated at Hawkesbury Valley Meat Processors, in Sydney's northwest.

It showed pigs being beaten over the head with a metal pole and sheep, cattle and goats being treated in ways that breached food and animal cruelty laws.

From July 1 next year, it will be compulsory for NSW abattoirs to have animal welfare officers monitor and take responsibility for the wellbeing of animals.

Random audits of animal welfare compliance will also be ramped up.

But Animal Liberation spokeswoman Emma Hurst says the reforms, announced on Thursday, will create a conflict of interest for animal welfare officers when it comes to reporting breaches.

"They are under a lot of pressure from management and their peers to ignore animal cruelty offences," she said.

Animal Liberation has called for CCTV cameras to be installed in abattoirs.

NSW Minister for Primary Industries Katrina Hodgkinson said she believed the reforms would be better for workers and animals and would lead to a change in the culture of NSW domestic abattoirs.

"There will be cultural change as a result of this new position being established in our domestic abattoirs," Hodgkinson told reporters.

"It will be good for the employees because they'll have better training and a better understanding of what they're doing, particularly on the culling floor."

"It will also be good for the animals as people better understand animal welfare guidelines."

The state opposition has backed the government, welcoming the reforms.

Opposition spokesman for primary industries Steve Whan said training and supervision had been lacking.

"Consumers deserve to feel confident that the beef they buy at the supermarket or butcher has been slaughtered in the most humane way possible," Whan said in a statement.

The NSW government will offer free training courses at three regional abattoirs.

Source: AAP

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