Last year, the association raised concerns about the Pork Packers Abattoir after video footage was released showing pigs being gassed with carbon dioxide.
The footage was obtained by inspectors from the NSPCA’s Farm Animal Protection Unit who gained warrants to access to the abattoir and enable a full investigation of the method used to “pre-stun” the pigs before slaughter.
The NSPCA insists the slaughtering of pigs at the facility is inhumane and is in contravention of the Animal Protection Act.
But Tiger Brands says their methods have been approved by the department of Agriculture & Forestry (DAF).
Company Spokesman Andrew Cocks says the company remains cognizant of sensitivity surrounding the welfare of animals.
“In terms of a criminal charge, that would be without basis or finding because we are operating under the full mandate of the Gauteng Veterinary Authority, who inspected us, audited us and we operate according to their protocol. So a point of definition might be who would the charges be laid against, ourselves or DAF, which is in any event a moot point.”
But Tiger Brands says their methods have been approved by the department of Agriculture & Forestry (DAF).
Company Spokesman Andrew Cocks says the company remains cognizant of sensitivity surrounding the welfare of animals.
“In terms of a criminal charge, that would be without basis or finding because we are operating under the full mandate of the Gauteng Veterinary Authority, who inspected us, audited us and we operate according to their protocol. So a point of definition might be who would the charges be laid against, ourselves or DAF, which is in any event a moot point.”
