Humane Society International: Action Alert - Woolworths sponsoring animal cruelty

Graphic footage has surfaced of pigs being held in atrocious conditions within one of Tasmania's largest piggeries, Longerenong Livestock in Winnaleah. Video evidence has shown live pigs riddled with maggots, many with wounds and enormous abscesses, lying in manure and entrapped in steel pens where they are physically unable to move. Police have described the horror scene and neglect that has resulted in the “serious disablement” of sows, the complete absence of veterinary treatment for injured pigs, and the unjustifiable suffering resulting from their neglect.

This is a piggery that supplies Woolworths with 20% of its Tasmanian pork. Yet despite the supplier being charged with multiple counts of gross animal cruelty, Woolworths has failed to act and sever its ties with Longerenong Livestock, instead providing the farm with a list of improvements to be met within the next four weeks. In the meantime, business continues as usual, with Woolworths continuing to buy pork from this producer.

This is not good enough. As a market leader in the retail sector, Woolworths has a responsibility, and a duty of care, to act decisively in the face of such damning evidence and cease all business with Longerenong Livestock immediately. While Woolworths continues to support this operation, they are doing nothing less than sanctioning animal cruelty of the greatest magnitude.

Write to Woolworths, urging them to immediately stop buying pork from Longerenong Livestock. Stress that the conditions these animals have had to endure are abhorrent and inexcusable, and that by continuing to financially support this supplier, Woolworths are facilitating their horrendous mistreatment. Insist that as one of Australia's largest retailers, Woolworths has a responsibility to ensure they do business with ethical producers who maintain the highest standards of animal welfare.