Lower Austria: VGT Report Due to Misconduct in AMA Pig Farm

The VGT referred in its statements to video material that was handed over to the association anonymously. This material is said to be from the period of September to October. "The scenes are shocking due to the raw handling of the pigs, the brutality, and the disrespect in this huge pig factory," it was explained in a statement.

VGT Video Captures Animal Suffering and Abuse in AMA Pig Farm

In a video published by the VGT, among other things, blows against one of the animals can be seen, and a worker urinating on pigs. There is also talk of prevailing diseases and injuries to the animals. "Pens heavily soiled with feces, drinking troughs contaminated with excrement, insect infestation, and partly dilapidated stable facilities stand in stark contrast to the farm's self-presentation," it was further emphasized.

Two Official Veterinarians Examine Allegations Against AMA Pig Farm

The district authority emphasized on Tuesday that administrative and animal welfare investigations had been initiated due to the VGT complaint. "Today, the farm will be inspected by two official veterinarians under the four-eyes principle, and the necessary measures will be taken immediately," district chief Karl-Josef Weiss stated in a written statement. The presence of criminal offenses is being examined. "What has happened here is an unbelievable scandal - and such a thing must be stopped immediately. The responsible authorities will now scrutinize this farm very closely, and if the allegations are true, ensure that this activity is quickly and consistently brought to an end," emphasized Lower Austria's regional councilor Susanne Rosenkranz (FPÖ) in a release. "Such conditions" must be "rigorously stopped."

AMA Inspectors Also Dispatched to Pig Farm

The AMA also dispatched external inspectors to the farm in the Hollabrunn district on Tuesday, as a spokesperson informed the APA. The incidents captured in the video are in any case unacceptable. Generally, the operation has been subjected to annual inspections, both announced and unannounced. Minor deficiencies discovered in 2021 and 2022 have been rectified by the operation, according to the spokesperson. Most recently, a "comprehensive audit" was conducted without any complaints, and the next inspection was scheduled for November or December of this year.

Owner of AMA Pig Farm Justifies Himself

The owner of the affected farm in the Hollabrunn district pointed out in a conversation with the APA that an unannounced inspection by an official veterinarian had been conducted three weeks ago. "We received an excellent report, there were no complaints." They are always striving for humane livestock farming and also offer training programs for employees. He has watched the video distributed by the VGT, said the farm owner. "Inside the barn, that could be anywhere, I can't place it." The VGT is working here with "material that has been handed over."

Green Party of Lower Austria Criticizes Control System

Dominic Hörlezeder, a member of the Lower Austrian state parliament from the Green Party, identified a fundamental problem in the control system in a press release. "If such grievances are possible despite annual announced and unannounced AMA inspections and a recently conducted audit without complaints, then it is a clear system failure. We need much tighter controls and, above all, tougher penalties."

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.