Farm leader investigated over alleged animal cruelty

The VFF pig group president has stepped aside while alleged animal welfare breaches are investigated, following the release of graphic footage allegedly taken at his northern Victorian piggery. WARNING: GRAPHIC IMAGE.

The Victorian Farmers Federation’s pig group president has stepped aside while alleged animal welfare breaches are investigated, following the release of graphic footage allegedly taken at his northern Victorian piggery.

Agriculture Victoria is investigating video footage of dead piglets, some which appear to have been eaten, and others with open, infected wounds, allegedly taken at Eco Piggery, co-owned by the VFF’s pig group president David Wright.

In March and April, animal activists from Farm Transparency Project claim they installed hidden cameras inside the Leitchville piggery owned by Mr Wright and Colin Sinclair, owner of Benalla Abattoir.

A picture captured by Farm Transparency Project allegedly at David Wright’s property.

The footage shows pigs lying beside stillborn piglets, rotting piglet carcasses, shed floors covered in mud, excrement and maggots and pigs with mutilated ears and docked tails. A cat can also be seen inside one of the sheds.

VFF president Emma Germano said Mr Wright had “stepped aside” from his VFF duties.

“David is currently focusing on ensuring the safety of his family and staff and the ongoing operation of his farm,” Ms Germano said.

“During the investigation of this matter, David has stepped aside from his role at the VFF.”

It is unclear whether this was at the behest of the VFF’s board or Mr Wright’s decision while he is at the centre of Ag Vic’s investigation.

David Wright has stepped aside.

Mr Sinclair said he was unaware of the footage and unable to verify it because he does not visit the farm due to the biosecurity risk associated with his work at his Benalla abattoir.

FTP executive director Chris Delforce has shared video footage showing GPS coordinates while inside the piggery and a photo of paperwork inside the shed with “Eco Piggery” written on one of the documents.

The video montage is the latest in the FTP’s campaign against pig farming and comes before the a Victorian parliamentary committee hands down its report into pig welfare on June 20.

Mr Wright spoke at the parliamentary inquiry’s hearing in March about the pig industry’s “collective commitment to pig welfare”.

“Our members adhere to industry best practice and continually invest in research, technology and training to improve animal care standards,” he said.

He told the inquiry animal activist invasions had taken a heavy toll on his mental health, which he is now medicated for.

An Agriculture Victoria spokeswoman said it was notified of the matter on June 4.

“We take animal welfare very seriously and respond to all allegations received in accordance with the legislation and departmental procedures,” the spokeswoman said.

Australian Pork Limited chief executive Margo Andrae said she could not comment on illegally obtained footage, but said the pig industry was constantly reviewing its practices and looking at how it could do better.

“As an industry we will always move for improvements where we can,” Ms Andrae said.

The state government said it would carefully consider all findings and recommendations from the inquiry, with a formal response to be tabled in parliament within six months.

Mr Wright has been contacted for comment.