WARNING: The details and images associated with this story may disturb some readers and viewers.
A video secretly filmed inside a BC slaughterhouse that is now the focus of an animal cruelty investigation has sparked protests in Vancouver.
“There is no excuse for abuse,” protesters shouted, holding up placards with harrowing images taken from the video.
Protesters gathered in a quiet street across from a local supermarket.Shops targeted because they sell processed products Meadow Valley meatsubject to investigation.
on wednesday, animal justiceA national animal advocacy group has filed a legal complaint against the company. The organization claims staff at the facility “forcefully punched and kicked” cattle, sheep and goats before slaughtering them. Allegedly used inappropriate slaughter techniques.
“We see animals being abused in many ways. It’s very clear.” Camille Labchuk, Executive Director of Animal Justice, told CTV National News.
One of the three agencies the group briefed was BCSPCAWe are currently conducting our own investigation into the allegations against the slaughterhouse.
BC SPCA Senior Protection Officer Eileen Drever told the CTV News Channel: “It’s heartbreaking.”
Drever, who has worked to prevent animal cruelty for decades, is part of a team tasked with reviewing videos to assess for violations.
“We have received a lot of very horrifying videotapes,” she said. “These animals are sentient beings and suffer not only physically but also mentally, and this is what the BC SPCA investigates.”
Due to potential legal ramifications, Drever was unable to provide details on how the investigation will be conducted.
“While we don’t want to jeopardize any part of this investigation, we can say that these animals give us life and should be treated with dignity at the end of their lives.
Animal Justice is reviewing the video, which was filmed last summer but was only submitted in January.
“It’s always disturbing to hear about animal cruelty,” said B.C. Agriculture and Food Minister Pam Alexis. “I can assure you that we are investigating the situation.”
The slaughterhouse is state licensed. When asked whether to revoke or suspend the company’s certification while the investigation is ongoing, Alexis said, “We cannot make a decision at this time.”
Meadow Valley says on its website that it is “the largest processor of beef, veal, lamb and goat” in British Columbia. Most of the company’s operations are in Chilliwack, British Columbia, but the facility where the video was shot is in Pitt Meadows.
Various farm animals are seen in two different locations throughout the footage. In some areas, sheep are crammed into pens and paddled. Workers also appear to grab him by the neck and throw him to the ground.
Cows are also seen being beaten with canes and beaten in the face with electric batons.
The video also shows two children standing in front of a man carrying documents. While one child clings to a fence and another kneels on a ledge, they both watch what appears to be a cow twitching on the floor.
CTV National News visited the Meadow Valley slaughterhouse, but no one on site answered questions about the allegations.
After several phone calls and text messages to the company’s general manager, we received a brief written statement that we were aware of what was called a “secretly obtained video.”
“The Canadian Food Inspection Agency and BC Meat Inspections are reviewing the footage. We do,” the company said.
Meadow Valley Meats slaughters animals from farms throughout BC. Once the animal is killed, the business processes the product so it can be sold.
There are several ranches that rely on Meadow Valley for processing. 63 acres of premium BC beef, says they are dedicated to the humane treatment of animals. However, there was no response by the deadline when asked about the current investigation.
there is provincial and federal government Laws that protect agricultural animals while they are on the farm, during transportation, and when they are slaughtered.
“Animal health and welfare are important to Canadians, and all levels of government are committed to protecting them,” said Marie-Claude Bibault, Canada’s Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.
Bibault also said that “animal cruelty should not be tolerated,” and confirmed that the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is reviewing the footage “for possible violations.”
Several animal welfare professionals also watched the video.
Moira Harris, a globally recognized expert, expresses concern.
“When you’re working with animals, you have to consider their sensory abilities,” she told CTV National News. It doesn’t seem to be set up to allow easy, gentle movement.”
She points to some possible problems, but Harris flagged a piece of tape showing sheep being dragged to be slaughtered by workers.
“We don’t want visually impaired animals in the food chain because if they’re sick, we don’t necessarily know what’s wrong.”
According to regulations, animals must be screened for any problems before they are killed.
The CFIA, which is dedicated to protecting food, said in a written statement that “appropriate follow-up action will be taken” if “incidents” falling under its responsibility are identified.
However, the agency also said that because Meadow Valley Meats is under provincial jurisdiction, it is the BC government that must “assess compliance and food safety risks.”
