The Food Standards Agency (FSA), which regulates animal welfare in slaughterhouses, has confirmed there have been “serious non-compliances with animal welfare legislation” during its initial review of 20 minutes of the footage. In response, the Agency launched an urgent investigation, withdrawn the licence of one slaughterman and is understood to be bringing criminal proceedings.

Malik Food Group is the 12th slaughterhouse in which Animal Aid has filmed undercover since January 2009. Of the 12 slaughterhouses filmed in, 10 attempted to stun the animals before killing them. Two were Soil Association-approved, and another was accredited by the RSPCA. Evidence of lawbreaking was found in nine out of these 10 traditional ‘stun’ slaughterhouses. This included animals being kicked, punched in the face, given electric shocks and burnt with cigarettes.

Says Luke Steele, previous Farming and Slaughter Campaigns Manager, Animal Aid:

‘Animal Aid’s latest investigation inside a UK slaughterhouse has uncovered barbaric and deliberate cruelty being inflicted on animals, in horrific scenes unlike any we have ever seen before. There is no doubt that lawbreaking continues to be an inherent problem in abattoirs.’

The Outcome

The case took a frustratingly long time to come to court. Animal Aid were hugely disappointed with the sentencing, which consisted of a mixture of fines, one suspended sentence and community service. Perhaps, worst of all we were horrified to learn that none of the workers was banned from working with animals. We hope that the new sentencing bill, will provide opportunities in future for greater justice.

The Animal Aid statement on the result

‘While it is positive that this long-running case has finally concluded, we certainly do not feel that justice has been adequately served. These lenient sentences in no way reflect the gravity of the terrible suffering that was inflicted on gentle animals at the most vulnerable time of their short lives.

‘It is important to emphasise that the shocking scenes we filmed at this slaughterhouse were by no means unique. We have filmed inside 15 slaughterhouses, and found lawbreaking in almost every case. Incidents filmed at other slaughterhouses include animals being beaten, kicked and even burnt with cigarettes. But even when the law is followed to the letter, slaughter can never be cruelty-free. Slaughterhouses are merciless places, where animals’ lives are brutally taken from them.

‘Animal Aid would urge anyone who is shocked by this case to try a cruelty-free diet. Going vegan is the single best thing we can all do to help animals, and more and more people are embracing this compassionate way of life.’

Notes for editors