Abattoir animal abusers face justice

There is a faint chance  justice may be done next week.

Two years ago CCTV footage emerged showing two men, employees at an abattoir, taunting, hitting, and abusing animals for the fun of it. It was covered at length in the national press.

They were filmed at the slaughterhouse in Brentwood, Essex, run by Elmkirk Ltd,  beating pigs with implements, stubbing cigarettes out on their faces and dragging them around the floor as they struggled.

An animal was hauled up by its legs on a hook although it was clear as it thrashed in distress it had not been properly stunned.

A pig was beaten more than 30 times in 62 seconds, the blows to its head causing it to collapse to the floor panting with exhaustion.

Both men were entrusted with the welfare of the animals, both took pleasure in inflicting suffering on them.

  

These men are Piotr Andrzej Wasiuta, from Southend, and Kelly Smith, from Benfleet, Essex.

The footage, obtained by Animal Aid, caused outrage when it was shown on Sky News.

But Defra (The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) refused to bring a prosecution stating  the footage would not be admissible in court- this was not the case. 

The Crown Prosecution Service since took responsibility and brought a successful prosecution.

Simon Clements, Head of the Welfare, Rural and Health Prosecutions Division at the Crown Prosecution Service made a statement in relation to the prosecution:

“I have advised the Food Standards Agency that Piotr Andrzej Wasiuta and Kelly Smith should be prosecuted for animal cruelty offences following the alleged mistreatment of pigs at Orchard Farm, Little Warley, Brentwood, Essex in March and April of last year.

“Piotr Andrzej Wasiuta faces three charges of causing unnecessary suffering to a pig by applying a lighted cigarette to its snout, contrary to sections 4(1) and 32(1) of the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

“Kelly Smith faces four charges of causing unnecessary suffering to a pig. Two of the charges relate to failing to ensure that a lame pig was not humanely slaughtered immediately and two of the charges relate to striking a pig with a baton, all contrary to sections 4(1) and 32(1) of the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

“This decision was taken in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors. After careful consideration of all the evidence, I am satisfied there is sufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction and it is in the public interest to prosecute this case.

“They now stand charged with criminal offences and they each have the right to a fair trial. It is extremely important that nothing should be reported which could prejudice this trial.”

This week both men pleaded guilty to offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, they will be sentenced next Wednesday. 

A spokesman for Animal Aid said there are other slaughterhouse employees who get a similar buzz from hurting animals. But they often evade  prosecution.

Of Wasiuta and Smith she said: “Their acts of cruelty were inexcusable and caused untold suffering to animals who were already scared and vulnerable. 

“However, many other slaughterhouse workers who also caused serious and deliberate suffering to animals have escaped justice because this government refused to act.”

If like me you find animal cruelty abhorrent, you are probably hoping for a judge to throw the book at them next week

There isn’t a book heavy enough, or a judge with the lower arm strength needed to throw it hard enough for them to receive a fraction of what I give them a taste of.  

These creatures have been warned they could face prison, I hope they come before a judge with some bottle who thinks they should get more than just a slap on the wrist.

Their names again Piotr Andrzej Wasiuta, from Southend, and Kelly Smith, from Benfleet - animal abusers. 


Hopefully next week they start a long stay at Hotel du Her Majesty.