Another UK Abattoir Caught Out Inflicting Harrowing Abuse

Barely a year after Animal Aid first released harrowing footage taken inside UK abattoirs, they have uncovered more abuse. Video footage secretly recorded at Elmkirk Ltd (Cheale Meats) makes for distressing viewing, but astonishingly, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs are refusing to prosecute those responsible because the abattoir staff were not consulted about the cameras. The hidden cameras at the Cheale Meats abattoir recorded staff punching pigs, hitting them with bats, burning their faces with cigarettes and forcing injured pigs to drag themselves into the stun pen. One terrified pig is seen being dragged by his ears. As was repeatedly documented in footage secretly filmed in other abattoirs, improper use of the electric tongs that are supposed to stun the animals is clearly visible. This misuse is known to cause pigs excruciating pain. This is the ninth UK abattoir that has been filmed by Animal Aid in the past 30 months. Video footage from one abattoir showed such horrific abuse that the facility was closed down. At Cheale Meats, the Food Standards Agency have revoked one abattoir worker’s licence and increased the level of monitoring at the abattoir. This is a pathetic response to the abuse that has been exposed. Pigs are sentient beings who are every bit as capable of feeling fear and pain as we are, yet they are at the mercy of sadistic or neglectful abattoir staff and suffer horrific abuse before being mercilessly killed. Switching to a vegetarian or vegan diet is a healthy choice, but more importantly, it is a compassionate choice because it reduces the demand for meat and ultimately saves the lives of animals.