Hidden camera footage captured in August-September 2023 reveals extreme animal suffering as well as broken or ineffective machinery and injuries to workers.
The footage shows the slaughter of pigs, cows, sheep and deer, who are stunned using a rifle or an electric stunner, which is revealed to be frequently broken and amateurly repaired by workers. Cows are seen to be shot in the head up to six times, while bellowing in pain, then jumped on by workers to force them into the kill room. One worker is chased into the enclosed stunning race by a frightened and enraged cow, and has to quickly climb out through narrow metal bars while the cow attempts to attack them. Another worker is kicked across the stomach and chest by a cow who has become stuck in the knockbox after being shot multiple times.
The footage also shows sheep and pigs being stunned and slaughtered inside the kill room. Dozens of sheep are seen being electrocuted multiple times, or shot with a rifle when the electric stunner stops working, which happens a number of times. One sheep jumps into the kill room and attempts to run. They are dragged by the legs and sat on by a worker, before having their throat slit while fully conscious.
As of January 2024, Wal's Bulk Meats is being investigated by Biosecurity Tasmania for breaches of animal welfare legislation.
