Criminal investigations are under way following ‘shocking’ footage of animal cruelty at an Ottery slaughterhouse.

Sidmouth Herald: ictures of the scenes secretly taken at the Ottery slaughterhouse. Picture: Animal Aidictures of the scenes secretly taken at the Ottery slaughterhouse. Picture: Animal Aid (Image: Archant)

Campaign group Animal Aid released footage on Tuesday which they claim was filmed at PJ Hayman & Sons in Holcombe Lane in July this year.

The group says it filmed several animals being beaten with piping, left distressed and threatened.

The group says it has handed over the footage to the Food Standards Agency (FSA), which has launched an official investigation.

An FSA spokesman said: “The Food Standards Agency takes animal welfare at abattoirs very seriously and a criminal investigation is under way.

“Our veterinary staff reviewed the footage received from Animal Aid and appropriate action was taken within 24 hours.

“The introduction of mandatory CCTV in slaughterhouses later this year is part of stronger measures to ensure proper safeguards are introduced to prevent incidents of this nature.

“We are unable to comment further whilst this investigation continues.”

Animal Aid carried out, investigated and recorded the footage on hidden cameras between July 25 and 27 this year.

Tor Bailey, farming and slaughter campaign manager of Animal Aid, said: “PJ Hayman & Sons is a small slaughterhouse, which some people may think is more humane, but we were deeply shocked and saddened by what we filmed there.

“This included a cow being beaten on the way to her death, and the already horrific slaughter process being worsened by blatant incompetence.

“PJ Haymans is the 15th slaughterhouse which Animal Aid has investigated.

“Time and time again we have revealed shocking scenes that dispel the ‘humane slaughter’ myth.

“We would urge anyone who feels moved by the footage to consider going plant-based as this is the only way to be assured of animal welfare.”

New legislation will come into place in November requiring all abattoirs in England to install CCTV.

PJ Hayman & Sons declined to comment when approached by the Herald.