Five individuals, including Derek Lesley Turner and Derek William Turner, (owners and operators of the Red Lion Abattoir), have had Animal Cruelty charges against them dropped by the CPS (Crown Prosecution Service). Hillside Animal Sanctuary launched an investigation into the abattoir early in 2013, lasting a total of 8 weeks & uncovered some horrific cruelty to horses under the nose of the Food Standards Agency (FSA).
Horrific cruelty at abattoir caught on film: (WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT) http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2264972/Cruelty-horses-exposed-Red-Lion-Abattoir-Hillside-animal-welfare-group.html
Horses beaten with iron bars at abattoir http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/agriculture/farming/9813408/Horses-beaten-with-iron-bars-at-abattoir.html
The Abattoir was closed by the FSA in April 2013 because it failed to meet requirements for safe production of meat, & the two slaughtermen lost their licences. Red Lion abattoir near Nantwich closed by Food Standards Agency http://thenantwichnews.co.uk/2013/04/08/red-lion-abattoir-near-nantwich-closed-by-food-standards-agency/ Because the abattoir was shut down, may be a leading factor in the charges being dropped as there is no continuing cruelty going on at this time. However, this does not negate the fact that horrific cruelty was carried out, possibly, from the date it was first put into operation, to the date it was closed.
Hillside had over 150 hours of video footage, but later learned only a 30 minute segment had been viewed. They also provided the FSA with a list of the Animal Welfare Regulation contraventions their evidence had documented, but they had no interest in pursuing a case which would clearly show that they have no concern for animal welfare at slaughter, or upholding the Welfare of Animals (Slaughter and Killing) Regulations 1995. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELvbWEUarDw&list=UUCdxkOePfUwgVLRU31wC_tQ
Please help Hillside fight for prosecution of these men. http://us2.campaign-archive1.com/?u=4c95cca2af7aa16d5d44b5a9e&id=38b0081205&e=59ba3bd286
The Crown Prosecution ServiceRose Court, 2 Southwark Bridge,London, SE1 9HS cps.webmaster@cps.gsi.gov.uk
Dear Crown Prosecution Service It has recently come to light that the charges of Animal Cruelty against Derek Lesley Turner and Derek William Turner owners and operators of the Red Lion Abattoir, have been dropped. We the undersigned appeal to you and ask that you overturn this desicion and prosecute all 5 men involved, to the fullest extent of the law.
They have blatently mislead the UK with the Horse meat scandal in 2012 & the FSA by ignoring their rules for what they call "Humane Slaughter". These men having their licenses withdrawn is not a significant outcome. Two slaughter men from the Red Lion Abattoir have had their licences revoked and will not be able to work in the slaughter industry again. http://www.horseandcountry.tv/news/2013/01/19/british-abattoir-accused-abusing-horses
They must be prosecuted if only to show that
1, we do actually care about animals & the cruelty we inflict on them
2, to show other abattoirs that this kind of cruelty will not be tollerated BY LAW.
3, if codes of conduct are breeched during the slaughtering process, you WILL be held accountable.
We ask you not to amend the Animal Welfare laws, but to prosecute those who breech them, including the meat industry.
Thank you for your immediate attention.
