Abattoir hands over three lambs in deal struck with vegan protestors
A group of animal activists succeeded in having demands of their abattoir protest met, walking away with three sheep following a bargain deal made with the establishment.
Several vegan advocates chained themselves to equipment at Carey Bros Abattoir, in Queensland’s Southern Downs region, as part of a planned nationwide protest.
Police responded to reports of a disturbance at the abattoir about 3.30am, negotiating with the organiser of the protest and management to come to a peaceful resolution.
No charges were laid as the owner of the land occupied by the abattoir had not made complaints relating to trespassing or otherwise.
Speaking to reporters, Acting Inspector Jamie Deacon said 18 people were chained to fixtures within the abattoir when police arrived, and an additional three people were on the property.
After about two hours, both parties reached a mutually beneficial conclusion and the activists left the premises, 7News reported.
“There’s been no complaints from the landowners in relation to any offences that may or may not have been committed by the activists, therefore, at this stage, no charges have been laid,” Insp Deacon said.
He confirmed three sheep had been handed over as part of negotiations.
“There were people locked in to actually stop them being able to process slaughters this morning (Monday),” spokesperson for the activists Brad King said.
Mr King said the sheep rescued from the abattoir would be handed over to Farm Animal Rescue where they were likely to live out the rest of their lives.
“What we are asking for is for industry and government to have a real conversation with consumers in Australia about the way that food animals are produced and slaughtered in the country,” he told 7News.
Crowds of vegans joined forces across the country on Monday to mark the anniversary of the release of Dominion, a documentary about conditions inside the Australian animal agriculture industry.
Insp Deacon confirmed police were made aware of the planned protests ahead of time and had rostered extra staff on to cope them.
Activists outlined six outcomes they wanted to achieve as part of their protest, including the government acknowledging “inherent cruelty in the process of killing animals for food, clothing and entertainment”.
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