The Queensland abattoir embroiled in a racehorse animal cruelty scandal was warned by a government department after neighbours complained over loud, distressing noises at all hours of the night.

Key points: Neighbours had complained since 2017 over loud noises

Neighbours had complained since 2017 over loud noises The Environmental Department issued Meramist a warning after detecting noise limit breaches

The Environmental Department issued Meramist a warning after detecting noise limit breaches The Federal Government has indicated it could get involved in investigations of alleged animal cruelty

Last week, footage obtained by the ABC's 7.30 program seemed to show some staff at Meramist kicking, beating, shocking, and verbally abusing former racehorses before they were slaughtered.

The slaughtering of racehorses is not illegal in Australia.

The Queensland Government has now confirmed the Meramist Abattoir in Caboolture was warned over a breach of its Environmental Authority conditions.

Neighbours who live near the abattoir said they had been complaining since mid-2017 over loud noises, including what they describe as the sound of distressed animals.

Naomi Rizniak and at least two other nearby residents told ABC News they reported problems with the abattoir, describing the unloading of horses as chaotic.

A neighbour first complained of the "distressing noise" of animals who were "shit-scared" as early as July 2017. ( ABC News: George Roberts )

Ms Risniak's first complaint over what she described as the "distressing noise" of animals who were "shit-scared" was dated July 2017.

Ms Rizniak repeatedly complained to the company, Meramist and the Moreton Bay Regional Council. Eventually her claims were investigated by the Department of Environment and Science, in May of this year.

The Department said it issued a warning notice to Meramist in August 2019, after monitoring and recording loud noises before 7:00am.

In a statement, a spokesman for the Department said it issued the "abattoir with a warning notice for breaching their Environmental Authority (EA) in relation to alleged noise nuisance".

"Noise activities that allegedly exceeded the noise limit by 5 decibels included truck unloading noise, truck operating noise and the metallic banging of gates," the department spokesman said.

"The business has advised [the Department] that they have ceased stock unloading activities before 7:00am Monday to Friday and before 7:30am on Saturdays."

The department said the maximum fine for breaching a condition of an Environmental Authority is $587,475.

Federal Government could get involved

In the wake of the 7:30 program the Queensland Government announced biosecurity officers would investigate allegations animals had been mistreated at the site.

While the Federal Government said animal welfare issues come under state law, the Federal Attorney-General Christian Porter indicated the Commonwealth could get involved.

Meramist Abattoir has federal approval to export horse meat.

Christian Porter has indicated the footage may show breaches of the abattoir's obligations under Commonwealth oversight of its operations.

Meramist has promised to provide the ABC with a written response to allegations against it, but at the time of publication that still has not been received.

