John Tucker says state cannot afford to lose Tasmanian Quality Meats amid livestock price low

The RSPCA says “distressing” footage exposing Tasmanian abattoirs shows the Apple Isle is at the “bottom of the pack” in addressing animal welfare concerns. But an independent MP says the state cannot afford to lose the abattoir’s services.

The RSPCA says “distressing” video footage at Tasmanian abattoirs shows that “once again, Tasmania is at the bottom of the pack in addressing animal welfare concerns”.

Chief advocate Jan Davis said despite calls for improved standards in the past “nothing seems to change”.

Liberal turned independent MP John Tucker also weighed into the furore over animal welfare at Tasmanian abattoirs saying “no farmer I know condones the abuse of animals”.

Tasmanian Quality Meats at Cressy faces having its export licence suspended after an animal advocacy group released hidden footage from five abattoirs, including TQM, of alleged animal cruelty.

Greens leader Dr Rosalie Woodruff has written to the government urging an immediate investigation of all Tasmanian abattoirs and “the seizure and review of all CCTV footage”.

Ms Davis also supported the mandatory monitoring of CCTV equipment at abattoirs, greater accountability and regular training and education programs for staff who handle animals.

Jake Oliver of Tasmanian Quality Meats with independent Member for Lyons, John Tucker at Tasmanian Quality Meats at Cressy. Picture: supplied

“This is not the first time we’ve seen video of appalling failures of animal welfare protections in Tasmanian abattoirs,” she said.

“If systems intended to protect animal welfare fail, there needs to be an urgent response.

“The footage proves that the state government needs to take a more active role in visiting, monitoring and auditing abattoirs to prevent the unnecessary and inhumane continued suffering of animals.

“The failure of successive Tasmanian governments to address the systemic issues exposed (in) Tasmanian abattoirs is totally unacceptable.”

Ms Davis urged the government to immediately adopt a code of practice for the welfare of animals at slaughtering establishments

Mr Tucker, himself a farmer, who has been on eight weeks’ leave after back surgery, visited TQM on Saturday said the company was “very nervous” at the prospect of closing.

“I was a bit distressed by it (footage), but slitting an animals’ throat is the way it’s done,” he said.

Images shot from within Tasmanian Quality Meats. Picture: Farm Transparency Project

“I have shot animals and you never forget it.

“Livestock prices recently have been at 25-year lows and Tasmania cannot afford to lose the essential service provided by this abattoir.”

Mr Tucker said a TQM shutdown would mean the loss of 200 jobs and leave farmers with few option but to shoot stock.

Animal Liberation Tasmania spokesperson Kristy Alger said the footage was “beyond almost anything I’ve ever seen before”.

“We would like to see an end to all abattoirs but we understand that is unlikely to happen,” she said.

Primary Industries Minister Jo Palmer said the government expected abattoirs to uphold high animal welfare standards.

“I have been advised that Tasmania Quality Meats have undertaken a range of measures to ensure they meet those standards.”

Originally published as John Tucker says state cannot afford to lose Tasmanian Quality Meats amid livestock price low