Biosecurity inspectors launch investigation into abattoir

The Palaszczuk Government has today ordered an immediate investigation following disturbing allegations aired on television last night.

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner said he was appalled by vision of horses being treated cruelly at the abattoir north of Brisbane.

“Like all Queenslanders and as a former owner of a retired racehorse I am appalled at what I saw,” he said.

“That’s why I’ve ordered Biosecurity Queensland investigators to go to the facility to find out who is responsible for the cruel treatment of those animals.

“Queensland has the toughest animal welfare laws in the country and anyone found breaching them could face a jail term of up to seven years.”

Racing Minister Stirling Hinchliffe also denounced the treatment of horses in the report.

“It was absolutely sickening to see animals being mistreated,” he said.

“Queensland had already recognised that there were issues around life after racing for horses and had organised a forum to be held on 15 November.

“We’ve brought that forward to next week, with details to be finalised, and it will involve industry stakeholders, including Racing Queensland and the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission.”

Minister Furner said he has written to the Federal Government to seek their input into the investigation.

“Because it’s licensed to export food product overseas, the facility is required by federal law to have a Commonwealth vet on site to monitor animal welfare and report any breaches,” Mr Furner said.

“I’ve written to my federal counterpart Senator Bridget McKenzie offering the assistance of my department in making sure these incidents never happen again.”

Media contact:s Brett Murphy 0408 551 138 (Minister Furner)

 Bernadette Condren 0417 296 116 (Minister Hinchliffe)