NOTE - As of the 01/03/08 this investigation was still being carried out. A further update will be added when an outcome is reached and if charges are laid.

Media Release - 29/01/07

Piggery footage triggers Police and Local Government Department investigation of alleged cruelty.

Animal Rights Advocates (ARA) is co-operating with the Department for Local Government and Regional Development (DLGRD) and WA Police in an investigation of alleged cruelty at a Gingin piggery.

ARA received video footage taken inside the piggery which appears to show evidence of serious animal cruelty.  ARA immediately passed the footage on to the DLGRD and requested an urgent investigation into possible breaches of the Animal Welfare Act.

ARA Co-ordinator Jenn Beer said:

"ARA believes this is another demonstration of the pig industry's inability to regulate itself.  Yet again, disturbing evidence of cruelty has been revealed in an intensive piggery.  As a result, ARA is seriously concerned for the welfare of pigs in all such factory farms."

"The general public would be horrified if it knew about the conditions suffered by the animals in this piggery."

"Currently, factory farmed animals, such as these pigs, are regarded merely as production units.  We believe they are deliberately hidden from public view to prevent awareness of this cruelty.  We think pig welfare comes a poor second to the need to make profits."

"ARA believes that Australian animal welfare law fails to properly protect the interests of animals in factory farms by giving these industries exemption from prosecution for what we regard as cruel practices."

"ARA congratulates the DLGRD and the Police for their prompt action and calls for severe penalties for anyone found guilty of cruelty in relation to these allegations."

"ARA opposes intensive farming of animals and works to expose and raise awareness of these cruel practices."

Allegation of cruelty sparks raid at piggery (The West Australian - 26/01/07)