Thousands of livestock euthanised at Australian export abattoirs amid serious welfare concerns

AUSTRALIA – Thousands of sheep, pigs, and cattle are being euthanised upon arrival at Australian export abattoirs, according to newly analysed government records that reveal severe and systemic animal welfare issues across the country’s meat export facilities.

A Curtin University research team has reviewed 631 welfare incident reports filed by government veterinarians in 2020 and 2021, finding that roughly 4% of animals transported to export abattoirs experienced serious welfare incidents, many of which required emergency killing. 

The reports, made public in 2022 after pressure from Greens senator Mehreen Faruqi, paint a grim picture of delays, inadequate oversight, and disturbing treatment of livestock.

“Overall, about 4% of animals that are transported were affected by one of these incident reports, and most of the welfare problems are quite serious,” said Professor Clive Phillips, one of the study’s authors. 

“Handling problems due to drivers or dogs, calving during transport, lameness, and skin injuries were among the most serious and common issues.”

Emergency euthanasia was the most frequent response to these incidents, used in about 60% of cases, affecting 2,476 animals. 

An additional 140 animals were found dead on arrival. The study also revealed a troubling delay in animal inspections: livestock waited an average of 10.8 hours before being assessed for injury or illness; an interval that researchers say increases suffering and the likelihood of euthanasia.

The findings come just weeks after Guardian Australia exposed shocking cases of animal mistreatment linked to the nation’s export abattoirs, including the unpunished hypothermia deaths of 103 sheep during transit. 

That investigation also brought to light concerns raised by veterinarian whistleblowers, who described the government’s oversight system as “profoundly flawed” and warned it could threaten Australia’s trade relationships.

The Australian Meat Industry Council, representing the sector, has defended the current oversight regime, saying the incident reports represent only “0.0058% of the total number of animals processed through export abattoirs during that time” and demonstrate the system’s effectiveness.

However, the Curtin study challenges that narrative, highlighting consistent and preventable failings, particularly concerning pigs, which appear to suffer disproportionately. 

The researchers are calling for immediate reforms, including more rigorous assessments at the farm level to determine animal fitness for transport and the elimination of financial incentives that encourage sending unfit animals to slaughter.

“The evidence suggests that many of these welfare issues could be addressed well before animals are loaded for transport,” Phillips said.

Fragmented authority breeds complacency 

In response, a spokesperson for the federal Department of Agriculture said the regulation of livestock transport lies with state governments. 

They added that export abattoirs are required to have procedures in place to assess livestock on arrival and take appropriate action when animals are unfit for slaughter.

Nonetheless, mounting pressure is pushing federal authorities to act. Labor has pledged to consider strengthening Australia’s animal welfare oversight in light of the revelations.

Meanwhile, whistleblower veterinarians continue to raise alarms. Complaints submitted in recent years allege that disturbing incidents have gone unreported to state regulators due to understaffing and new restrictions that prevent vets from entering livestock pens. 

One vet even resigned in protest, stating the changes rendered him incapable of ensuring animal welfare. Despite these allegations, the department has stood by its approach.

“The department has a robust regulatory framework and takes regulatory action, where appropriate, for breaches of animal welfare requirements,” a spokesperson said.

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news updates and insights from Africa and the World, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.