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15 Years Later: Latest Audit Finds 15 Non-Compliances

Animal Aid exposed multiple breaches of law at a slaughterhouse in Dorset back in 2010. More than 15 years later, animals are still suffering.

Animal Aid captured undercover footage at an ABP slaughterhouse in Dorset back in 2010, which exposed horrific cruelty to cows and multiple breaches of the law. Some of these breaches included:

  • Stunning boxes were not fitted with a mandatory head restraint, leading to failed captive bolt gun stunning shots, where animals endured multiple stunning attempts to render them unconscious.
  • Another clear breach of the law was that they left cows for up to 65 minutes in the stunning box before they were stunned, resulting in a serious breach that “caused animals unnecessary suffering”.
  • A third legal breach was that the stun operator was seen beating two cows with a mop.

 

So, more than 15 years on, what is the current state of the facility at ABP Sturminster Newton?

The latest audit carried out by the Food Standards Agency (FSA), which took place in 2026, found 15 non-compliances:

  • Lairaging conditions/pen provisions are adequate (bedding, water, food provision – if left overnight). Minor non-compliance
  • Movement of animals (including the correct procedures and use of instruments to make the animals move). Minor non-compliance

CCTV cameras that provide a complete and clear image of all areas where live animals are present (including killing and related operations). Minor non-compliance

  • All handling and processes from slaughtering to despatch are done in a way that avoids the contamination of meat and offal entering the food chain. Minor non-compliance
  • Design and layout permit good food hygiene practice and protect against contamination between and during operations. Minor non-compliance
  • Cleaning, Maintenance and Staff training, instruction and supervision: The implementation of the operating procedures is effective and supported by records. Minor non-compliance

@alex.photojournalism

This slaughterhouse represents yet another example of how welfare regulations and audits are completely failing animals with 99% of slaughterhouses recording non-compliances in the UK. This is because these industries actively prioritise business continuity over the lives and legal protections of animals. The system is rigged to keep the production lines moving, no matter how severe the suffering. 

This is why we must advocate for the rights of animals, not welfare reforms. All animals deserve respect and compassion, which cannot exist in an industry reliant on enslavement and killing.

Regulation cannot clean up industrialised killing 

Animals are not units of production and they do not want a “better” slaughter process. They want to live. 

Audits mean nothing to the animals. The only ethical answer to this systemic horror is the total abolition of animal agriculture and an immediate transition to a plant-based food system. 

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If you have witnessed animal cruelty or suspect that there is illegal activity happening in a specific location please use our contact form to get in touch. All information will be treated with strict confidence.

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Note: Data derived from FSA (Food Standards Agency) audit datasets, latest publication: 01 September 2026.

ABP Sturminster Newton: Latest audit date: 14 January 2026