The B.C. Ministry of Agriculture has sanctioned Johnston’s Meats, a pig slaughterhouse in Chilliwack, following an animal welfare investigation.
The investigation was launched after Animal Justice released shocking video footage revealing horrific animal suffering and apparent violations of slaughter regulations, allegedly filmed by a whistleblower at Johnston’s Meats.
The disturbing footage shows frightened and panicked pigs being inhumanely handled, including:
- Animals being improperly stunned before having their throats cut, being hung upside down to bleed out while conscious, and then placed into a scalding tank of boiling water.
- Multiple animals appear to show signs of consciousness after being electrocuted, which is required to render them fully unconscious for the rest of the slaughter process.
- In some clips, workers are seen slitting still-conscious pigs’ throats and electrocuting them multiple times.
Following the video release and a legal complaint filed by Animal Justice, the Ministry of Agriculture issued a prohibition notice to the slaughterhouse regarding its use of electric prods and handling of animals, along with a warning letter citing humane treatment violations under B.C.’s Meat Inspection Regulation.
The ministry ordered “corrective actions”, including improved training, and said inspectors would be “increasing oversight”.
Incident renews calls for transparency
Though provincial inspectors are required to be present at slaughterhouses every day of the slaughtering process, inspectors at Johnston’s Meats claimed they never witnessed abuse. No action was taken until Animal Justice filed a complaint, which the organization says “represents a failure to catch bad practices”.
This incident is renewing calls for public transparency, consistent oversight, and proactive enforcement of animal welfare regulations, highlighting that animal suffering may continue until a report is made.
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Read more about:
- The undercover video footage
- Near-annual undercover investigations over the past decade which have revealed recurring welfare problems in B.C.’s animal agriculture industry
- The truth behind “proudly local” meat
Note: There is no graphic footage or imagery at this link.
Cover photo: Animal Justice via Business Intelligence for B.C.