Shire calls for support to upgrade controversial saleyard after graphic video of cow being shot surfaces

The Shire of Capel has called on the State Government to support welfare upgrades to a South West saleyard after graphic footage of a not-fit-for-sale cow being euthanised emerged.

The Boyanup saleyards — jointly owned by Elders and Nutrien as the WA Livestock Salesmen’s Association — is again the subject of controversy with a video showing a cow being shot five times on the grounds, which was sent to the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and RSPCA over animal welfare concerns.

The mobile phone footage from February 8 shows an unknown figure shooting the animal five times, startling it while it staggers around before it is killed in the final shot.

WALSA chair Mark McKay said the incident was an unfortunate but necessary part of handling livestock for primary producers with the cow withdrawn from the sale after it was deemed not fit to load.

“Given its condition, the cow was required to be euthanised,” he said.

Mr McKay said the cow was killed using the “most humane” destruction method the day after the sale concluded.

A spokesperson from the RSPCA said they received a cruelty report about the incident in February and forwarded the report to DPIRD.

“We have received other reports in the past and these too have been forwarded to DPIRD as per this process,” they said.

A DPIRD spokesperson said the department did not report the matter to police and instead had their livestock compliance inspectors view the footage.

They “found the evidence obtained was not sufficient to support a criminal prosecution” and no charges have been laid.

“Following the conclusion of the investigation, DPIRD inspectors met with Boyanup management to discuss improvements to livestock management processes and is working with the saleyard operators to improve relevant practices and procedures,” they said.

Capel shire president Doug Kitchen said the shire was also aware of the footage.

The saleyard has been an ongoing source of controversy, with upgrades approved in February last year, which were meant to see the installation of a roof over the yard and non-slip mats in the pens. Those have failed to come to fruition.

Two subsequent election promises from The Nationals to develop a replacement yard in the shire both failed to land, with the party not gaining power in the State or Federal elections.

The Shire of Capel voted in March this year to keep the saleyard open, extending the deadline for the yard to deliver unfulfilled upgrades.

Cr Kitchen said it was time the State Government, and the wider industry, backed the shire’s efforts.

“The Shire of Capel has taken a proactive approach as part of its lease agreement with the operator of the yards which has seen significant improvement in both animal welfare and personnel comforts,” he said.

“The long term sustainability of the saleyards are critical for the South West livestock industry, and are rightly recognised as a top priority amongst the entire region.”

Cr Kitchen said the shire was continuing to work on its proposed agribusiness precinct, which would provide a new home for the saleyards, relocating them out of the Boyanup townsite.

“It is envisioned the yards will be current best standard in design, improving animal welfare outcomes,” he said.

The DPIRD spokesperson said the department’s livestock compliance inspectors continue to monitor animal welfare standards at saleyards across the State, while raising awareness about regulatory responsibilities under the Animal Welfare Act 2002.

The spokesperson said a Bill to modernise the Act was progressing.