A parliamentary question regarding alleged animal cruelty at a Gingin piggery in 2007, focusing on issues identified during an inspection and the timeline of follow-up investigations. The response details rectifications made and refers responsibility to another agency.

AnsweredQoN 128Legislative Council
Asked
1 December 2008
Portfolio
Police

QuestionView source ↗

GINGIN PIGGERY — ALLEGED ANIMAL CRUELTY
I refer to the recommended outcome of the investigation into alleged animal cruelty at a Gingin grower piggery following a raid in January 2007. (1) What issues warranting further investigation were identified during the January 2007 inspection? (2) Why was there no follow-up investigation until August 2007? Hon PETER COLLIER

AnswerView source ↗

I thank the member for some notice of this question. The Minister for Police has provided the following response. (1) The issues warranting further inspection were — (a) The unloading ramp: this was not suitable for unloading small pigs. The ramp was rectified and is now fit for purpose. (b) Condition of trailer: the trailer utilised for conveying small pigs within the complex was in a rusted condition and not suitable for conveying small pigs. The trailer was repaired and is now fit for purpose. (c) Management practices in the identification and care of compromised animals—sick pigs—was lacking. Piggery management in consultation with the industry body developed standard operating procedures for the conveying of pigs and the identification and care of compromised animals, which are being promulgated throughout the industry. (2) There was a follow-up inspection in August 2007. The inquiry came under the domain and responsibility of the Department of Local Government and Regional Development’s animal welfare unit and as such the question should be directed to that agency.
(1) What issues warranting further investigation were identified during the January 2007 inspection? (2) Why was there no follow-up investigation until August 2007? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. The Minister for Police has provided the following response. (1) The issues warranting further inspection were — (a) The unloading ramp: this was not suitable for unloading small pigs. The ramp was rectified and is now fit for purpose. (b) Condition of trailer: the trailer utilised for conveying small pigs within the complex was in a rusted condition and not suitable for conveying small pigs. The trailer was repaired and is now fit for purpose. (c) Management practices in the identification and care of compromised animals—sick pigs—was lacking. Piggery management in consultation with the industry body developed standard operating procedures for the conveying of pigs and the identification and care of compromised animals, which are being promulgated throughout the industry. (2) There was a follow-up inspection in August 2007. The inquiry came under the domain and responsibility of the Department of Local Government and Regional Development’s animal welfare unit and as such the question should be directed to that agency.
(2) Why was there no follow-up investigation until August 2007? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. The Minister for Police has provided the following response. (1) The issues warranting further inspection were — (a) The unloading ramp: this was not suitable for unloading small pigs. The ramp was rectified and is now fit for purpose. (b) Condition of trailer: the trailer utilised for conveying small pigs within the complex was in a rusted condition and not suitable for conveying small pigs. The trailer was repaired and is now fit for purpose. (c) Management practices in the identification and care of compromised animals—sick pigs—was lacking. Piggery management in consultation with the industry body developed standard operating procedures for the conveying of pigs and the identification and care of compromised animals, which are being promulgated throughout the industry. (2) There was a follow-up inspection in August 2007. The inquiry came under the domain and responsibility of the Department of Local Government and Regional Development’s animal welfare unit and as such the question should be directed to that agency.
Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. The Minister for Police has provided the following response. (1) The issues warranting further inspection were — (a) The unloading ramp: this was not suitable for unloading small pigs. The ramp was rectified and is now fit for purpose. (b) Condition of trailer: the trailer utilised for conveying small pigs within the complex was in a rusted condition and not suitable for conveying small pigs. The trailer was repaired and is now fit for purpose. (c) Management practices in the identification and care of compromised animals—sick pigs—was lacking. Piggery management in consultation with the industry body developed standard operating procedures for the conveying of pigs and the identification and care of compromised animals, which are being promulgated throughout the industry. (2) There was a follow-up inspection in August 2007. The inquiry came under the domain and responsibility of the Department of Local Government and Regional Development’s animal welfare unit and as such the question should be directed to that agency.
I thank the member for some notice of this question. The Minister for Police has provided the following response. (1) The issues warranting further inspection were — (a) The unloading ramp: this was not suitable for unloading small pigs. The ramp was rectified and is now fit for purpose. (b) Condition of trailer: the trailer utilised for conveying small pigs within the complex was in a rusted condition and not suitable for conveying small pigs. The trailer was repaired and is now fit for purpose. (c) Management practices in the identification and care of compromised animals—sick pigs—was lacking. Piggery management in consultation with the industry body developed standard operating procedures for the conveying of pigs and the identification and care of compromised animals, which are being promulgated throughout the industry. (2) There was a follow-up inspection in August 2007. The inquiry came under the domain and responsibility of the Department of Local Government and Regional Development’s animal welfare unit and as such the question should be directed to that agency.
(1) The issues warranting further inspection were — (a) The unloading ramp: this was not suitable for unloading small pigs. The ramp was rectified and is now fit for purpose. (b) Condition of trailer: the trailer utilised for conveying small pigs within the complex was in a rusted condition and not suitable for conveying small pigs. The trailer was repaired and is now fit for purpose. (c) Management practices in the identification and care of compromised animals—sick pigs—was lacking. Piggery management in consultation with the industry body developed standard operating procedures for the conveying of pigs and the identification and care of compromised animals, which are being promulgated throughout the industry. (2) There was a follow-up inspection in August 2007. The inquiry came under the domain and responsibility of the Department of Local Government and Regional Development’s animal welfare unit and as such the question should be directed to that agency.
(b) Condition of trailer: the trailer utilised for conveying small pigs within the complex was in a rusted condition and not suitable for conveying small pigs. The trailer was repaired and is now fit for purpose. (c) Management practices in the identification and care of compromised animals—sick pigs—was lacking. Piggery management in consultation with the industry body developed standard operating procedures for the conveying of pigs and the identification and care of compromised animals, which are being promulgated throughout the industry.
(c) Management practices in the identification and care of compromised animals—sick pigs—was lacking. Piggery management in consultation with the industry body developed standard operating procedures for the conveying of pigs and the identification and care of compromised animals, which are being promulgated throughout the industry.

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