Pau, France – Five slaughterhouse workers went on trial in southern France on Monday over footage showing abuse of livestock at the site which prompted widespread outrage as well as inspections at abattoirs nationwide. “We expect this trial to recognize the extreme suffering of these animals because regulations were not followed,” said Brigitte Gothiere of the L214 animal rights group. But for Gothiere, “this trial will be the occasion to demonstrate the responsibilities of the state and the veterinary services”. Similar videos from other countries in recent years have raised pressure on lawmakers to impose stricter oversight on slaughterhouses accused of unnecessary cruelty in order to maximize profits. French animal rights advocates including the actress Brigitte Bardot have called for surveillance cameras to be installed in slaughterhouses.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer September 17, 2018 11:54 UTC