Hundreds of racehorses sent to slaughterhouses for pet and food consumption
Racehorses are being slaughtered in New South Wales and Queensland for pet food and human consumption, an ABC investigation has revealed.
The practice is occurring “on an industrial scale” at abattoirs and knackeries despite industry rules and animal welfare policies, the report found.
The ABC found dozens of thoroughbreds were sold to NSW knackeries and abattoir to be used for pet food production and human consumption.
“We’re talking about destroying animals on an industrial scale,” said Paul McGreevy, professor of animal behaviour and welfare science at the University of Sydney. “I don’t think anyone in the industry can defend this.”
In one Queensland abattoir, 300 racehorses were slaughtered in just 22 days. According to Elio Celotto of the Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses, the Meramist Abattoir slaughters an estimated 500 horses a month for imports to Japan and various European countries.
The workers at the abattoir were also recorded beating and abusing the horses before the slaughter. Some animals were kicked and given electric shocks while others were hit with a hose.
“There’s no denying the footage. This is the sort of material that will shake the industry to its core,” said Celotto.
While the killing of racehorses is not illegal in Australia, it is against Racing NSW’s policy and rules which state that the animals should be rehomed and treated “sympathetically and humanely” when they leave racing.
Racing NSW and Racing ACT also prohibited horses from being directly or indirectly sent to an abattoir or knackery.
Racing NSW chief Peter V’Landys said people who have breached the rules “will be dealt with pretty severely”.
“We’ll put the full force of the rules of racing against anyone that does that because it’s a severe breach of our rules and our terms and conditions of being in the thoroughbred racing industry,” he told 7.30.