Mid Suffolk abattoir sparks animal welfare concerns
Undercover video reveals animal welfare breaches at Suffolk abattoir
An abattoir in Mid Suffolk, which supplies major UK supermarkets, faces accusations of excessive force triggering animal welfare concerns and accusations. The Animal Justice Project’s video from C&K Meats revealed staff striking pigs with paddles, causing visible injuries and stress indicators like frothing at the mouth and heavy panting.
The footage indicated unclean pens and poor hygiene. Despite Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) monitoring, independent experts noted apparent breaches of animal welfare laws. An investigator recorded a worker stating that actions towards the pigs were solely for their slaughter.
The undercover filming spanned several days at C&K Meats, which slaughters between 1,200 and 1,400 pigs daily. The abattoir supplies pork to brands like Jolly Hog, sold at Tesco, Co-op, Aldi, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, Morrisons, Asda, and Lidl. It also processes some of Tesco’s own-brand pork products. The facility is part of the Red Tractor and RSPCA Assured schemes.
Footage showed pigs struck with paddles and hands, with Dr. Alick Simmons, former UK Government Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer, commenting on the excessive use of paddles. Alleged breaches of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 included pigs showing severe stress before being killed. Advocates for Animals reviewed the footage and contacted Trading Standards regarding these breaches.
The video also revealed pigs in poor health and injured upon arrival, with staff complaining about transportation delays. Dr. Simmons noted that unfit animals should not have been transported and needed humane treatment at their origin.
Barrister Ayesha Smart highlighted recurrent breaches related to physical abuse and neglect. Veterinarian Dr. Alice Brough indicated that such conditions are typical in UK abattoirs, with many pigs arriving in distress or dead due to transport issues.
The Animal Justice Project suggests this case is part of a broader pattern of regulatory failures in UK slaughterhouses. Government data from 2023 shows an average of ten serious legal breaches daily across all UK abattoirs.
Claire Palmer, Director of Animal Justice Project, called for decisive action against C&K Meats, criticising the Food Standards Agency’s reported low breach numbers. A spokesperson for C&K Meats emphasised their commitment to animal welfare, monitored by independent veterinarians.
Tesco expressed serious concern and launched an urgent investigation. The British Retail Consortium, representing supermarkets, promised swift action for any confirmed breaches. Red Tractor and RSPCA Assured both stated ongoing investigations, prioritising animal welfare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What did the undercover footage at C&K Meats reveal?
It showed workers hitting pigs, poor hygiene, injured animals, and signs of severe stress.
Which supermarkets were supplied by C&K Meats?
Tesco, Co-op, Aldi, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, Morrisons, Asda, and Lidl.
What are the Red Tractor and RSPCA Assured schemes?
They are certification schemes aimed at ensuring high animal welfare standards.
What actions did the Animal Justice Project take?
They recorded undercover footage and contacted Trading Standards about the breaches.
How did Tesco respond to the allegations?
Tesco stated they are urgently investigating the matter with their supplier.
