Gretna Meatworks off the hook on animal cruelty claims after DPIPWE investigation

AN abattoir in Tasmania has been cleared of animal cruelty allegations after a lengthy State Government investigation.

Gretna Quality Meats proprietor Michael Munnings says he’s pleased the DPIPWE investigation is over and hopes any negative publicity about the business will now die down.

AN abattoir in Tasmania’s Derwent Valley has been cleared of animal cruelty allegations after a lengthy State Government investigation.

The Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment today said an investigation into allegations of animal cruelty against Gretna Meatworks was now finalised.

DPIPWE Biosecurity Tasmania general manager Lloyd Klumpp said no prosecution

would be undertaken following ongoing audits of the facility as well as a review of

the department’s investigation by the Director of Public Prosecutions.

MORE: CRUELTY CLAIMS REFERRED TO DPP

“Our ongoing audits of the facility have found the facility is complying with its

requirements in relation to animal welfare,” Dr Klumpp said.

“An investigation of the allegations made against the facility was also considered by

the DPP. It determined there is no reasonable prospect of conviction on the

allegations and based on that no prosecution should be undertaken.”

Gretna Quality Meats abattoir proprietor Michael Munnings said he was pleased the investigation was over and he hoped any negative publicity about the business would now die down.

“Let’s hope this decision does not entice animal liberationists to target us again,” Mr Munnings said.

The investigation was sparked by footage taken by hidden cameras inside the meatworks in 2016.

The abattoir has consistently denied cruelty claims, saying its operation was lawful.

MORE: ABATTOIR VOWS TO STAY OPEN

Dr Klumpp said the supplied footage was considered as part of the investigation.

“Anonymously supplied footage is rarely admissible in court matters due to the potential for it to be edited and spliced,” he said.

Dr Klumpp said all sections of the community had a role to play in appropriate animal welfare but it was important that when allegations were made they were referred to the

appropriate authorities to enable proper investigation and due process to be followed.

Originally published as Gretna Meatworks off the hook on animal cruelty claims after DPIPWE investigation