Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Abattoir closed after animals maltreated

Updated at 8:08 am on 10 February 2012

An abattoir north of Sydney is closed after footage emerged showing animals being beaten before their slaughter.

the New South Wales Food Authority suddenly closed the Hawkesbury Valley abattoir on Thursday after viewing video images showing "acts of gross animal mistreatment".

The footage, given to the ABC, was shot undercover over six days. It shows pigs being belted repeatedly with an iron bar.

The pigs should be rendered unconscious by a stunner before their throats are cut, but the footage shows that was not done properly in some cases.

The agency promised a full investigation of slaughter practices at the abattoir. The owners say they will make no comment until the investigation is complete.

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