Bowood slaughterhouse staff sentenced at Leeds Magistrates Court

Posted on the 2nd March 2018

We have finally reached the outcome of the long-running Bowood slaughterhouse case. Three slaughtermen and one former company director were sentenced today (March 2) at Leeds Magistrates Court, after pleading guilty to animal cruelty offences. Three defendants received suspended prison sentences (between 16-20 weeks) and all were ordered to pay costs. We are extremely disappointed with this outcome, which does not reflect the severity of the abuse uncovered at Bowood. This involved horrendous incidents of cruelty meted out to defenceless animals.

Worker pulls back fist as if to punch sheep

It is important to remember that this is not an isolated case. Time and time again our footage has revealed shocking abuse and lawbreaking across the industry, from ‘higher welfare’ to stun and non-stun slaughterhouses. These are production lines, staffed by workers who will inevitably become desensitised. Vulnerable animals are ‘processed’ against their will, bringing their short lives to an end prematurely. Slaughterhouses are violent and bloody places filled with suffering. Quite simply, there is no kind way to kill someone who wants to live. We urge anyone who is moved by this suffering to go vegan.