Abattoirs face £30k fines over animal welfare breaches
Several workers and two abattoirs have been hauled before the courts following three Food Standards Agency (FSA) investigations into animal cruelty claims.
Six members of staff at G & GB Hewitt Ltd pleaded guilty to a total of 25 animal welfare offences while the slaughterhouse operator was hit with a £19,500 fine, as well as costs amounting to £600.
The case was launched after undercover footage taken by an animal welfare organisation emerged showing the mistreatment of animals at the Chester-based abattoir. The six employees were sentenced for animal welfare offences including, in some cases, causing avoidable pain, distress or suffering to animals.
The FSA has said that G & GB Hewitt has since corrected deficiencies and improved standards in animal welfare, and is now compliant with all legislative requirements.
At Birmingham Magistrates Court last month, an abattoir in the Midlands was fined for breaking the law on the treatment of animals by causing avoidable pain, distress or suffering. Magistrates fined the Birmingham company, Leansale, £10,000, along with costs of £500 and a surcharge of £190.
Meanwhile, a third case saw Warrington Magistrates Court find Charles Morphet, a director of C S Morphet & Sons, guilty of one offence of handling animals without having a valid Certificate of Competence. Mr Morphet who runs the red-meat slaughterhouse in Widnes, Cheshire, was ordered to fine of £180 in prosecution costs of £500.
Junior Johnson, director of operations for the Food Standard Agency said it was hoped that these judgements would act as a deterrent to other companies.
“The FSA has a zero tolerance approach to animal welfare breaches,” Mr Johnson said. “We monitor standards of animal welfare and all staff are instructed to take prompt enforcement action where breaches are identified. We are working with partner agencies and industry to continuously improve animal welfare.”
by Jane Thynne | Farmers Guardian
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