The South Australian government has confirmed to animal protection organisation Farm Transparency Project (FTP) that it will not be prosecuting the illegally operating slaughterhouse in Snowtown.

The Snowtown Meat Service abattoir, 150km north of Adelaide, was formally reported in July 2023, after hidden cameras placed inside the facility by FTP revealed a complete absence of 'stunning' for goats and sheep, in clear violation of the Animal Welfare Act. Animals are pinned down and their throats cut while fully conscious, before they are shackled and left to slowly bleed out. While the facility has an exemption permitting them to 'stick' animals without prior stunning for Halal meat, they are required to immediately stun animals after sticking to ensure unconsciousness before shackling. 

In the 17 months since the complaint was made, FTP has repeatedly sought updates from the Department of Environment and Water (DEW), the agency responsible for enforcing compliance of animal welfare legislation. An FOI request earlier this year was rejected. The group has now received confirmation from DEW's Senior Investigator and Compliance Officer, Vic Gaffney, that he has chosen to not proceed with charges against the slaughterhouse or its staff.

FTP's Executive Director, Chris Delforce: "What we uncovered at the Snowtown slaughterhouse, is one of the most egregious and blatant cases of illegal animal cruelty that I've encountered in thirteen years of investigating these sorts of facilities across Australia. The refusal of the SA government to enforce the little legal protections farmed animals have, without even being able to provide a proper explanation, reeks of a payoff and sends the message that even the worst animal abuse can be swept under the rug if there's money to be made."

"We are calling for the immediate closure of the Snowtown slaughterhouse, as should have happened 17 months ago when we handed over this footage, and for the resignation of Mr. Gaffney. We are reviewing our options for legal action."

Photos and footage from Snowtown slaughterhouse: https://www.farmtransparency.org/facilities/06a4b-snowtown-abattoir