SICK and injured farm animals are being traded across Victoria, allegedly in breach of animal welfare rules.
Shocking video reveals animals writhing after clumsy failed attempts to put them down, sheep being made to walk with horribly broken legs and a stock handler tossing a live sheep into a pen.
Animals with open wounds and some that are rake-thin have been found at saleyards around the state.
The Department of Primary Industry is investigating three claims of cruelty and inappropriate practice.
The Herald Sun can reveal the Ombudsman’s office has been asked to investigate the adequacy of the department’s response to persistent claims of mistreatment at saleyards.
Among dozens of allegations raised with the DPI this year are that:
SHEEP made to walk with broken legs and with open wounds have been put up for sale.
> A SHEEP was seen writhing and kicking for 13 minutes, until its throat was cut, after attempts to put it down by shooting. A DPI probe found “no evidence” the sheep was suffering.
> STOCK handlers have been seen throwing live animals into pens.
> EMACIATED sheep were transported to an abattoir for halal slaughter.
> The alleged activity was filmed by animal activists.
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