Petition against Pig and Calf Sale sparks uproar

Farm Animal Rescue claims they have witnessed rough handling of animals.

By Dominique Tassell

Vegan activism group, Farm Animal Rescue, has launched a petition to shut down Warwick’s Pig and Calf Sale.

The petition is addressed to Minister for Agriculture Mark Furner.

The group has previously been associated with activism in the area, including an incident at an abattoir in Yangan.

The petition has a video attached, which they use as evidence for their claims that their members had witnessed transportation violations, a lack of water supply to animals, a lack of fans or insulation, rough handling of birds, animals being processed for sale who were not fit for sale, animals suffering heat stress, mixing of consignments leading to bullying and injury, confinement systems not fit for purpose, and over-populated pens and cages.

The petition also stated that the McDougall and Sons saleyard should be found guilty of breaching the Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals at saleyards due to a number of similar complaints.

McDougall and Sons did not wish to comment, however has received widespread support from the community.

Member for Southern Downs James Lister spoke out against the petition, stating on Facebook: “over my dead body will I see stuck-up city activists and vegan extremists shut down our Warwick Pig & Calf sales”.

Martin Bella from Green Shirts Movement QLD says “it’s just absolutely stupid”.

“Farmers have got to make a living, the animals are ethically treated,” he says.

“It’s not in anyone’s interest to mistreat animals.

“We just want to go on with what we do and be left alone.”

Regarding some of the footage being circulated alongside the petition, Martin says it came down to activists “not wanting to understand” the context and realities of farming.

“No farmer likes to see an animal suffering,” he says.

He says in drought-stricken areas, if farmers are faced with sick cattle or other animals, trying to sell them is often the most humane thing to do.

He says no one would say the same of a pet owner trying to rehome or care for a sick pet.

Minister for Agriculture Mark Furner stated that Farm Animal Rescue “made no contact with my office or with the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries about these concerns despite them being months-old at least”.

“Anyone with animal welfare concerns should report their concerns quickly, rather than seeking media attention in the first instance.

“The organisation’s claims will be investigated by the Department.

“I would also ask that any information the organisation holds is passed to the department.”