Tasmanian abattoir set to resume bobby calf processing

Bobby calf slaughter is set to resume at Tasmanian Abattoir Tasmanian Quality Meats (TQM) after the Federal Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries lifted the suspension of their bobby calf export licence.

The suspension was put in place by the Department in December last year due to animal welfare standards, after footage taken inside the facility was released by animal activists.

During the shutdown, many farmers were faced with euthanizing their animals on their own farms as there was no facility to have their meat processed.

The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries today lifted the temporary suspension, satisfied that TQM has met all necessary criteria.

The reopening of operations at TQM is a significant development for many members of the local agricultural community, guaranteeing a processing facility as the season approaches.

TQM was in May awarded a State Government grant of $430,000, to be matched dollar for dollar by the TQM, to construct a new calf yard.

TQM has now announced crucial details ahead of the upcoming calf season:

• Processing of calves will resume from August 5th.
• Livestock transportation must follow the “TQM Animal Welfare Guidelines for Livestock Transportation'” a mandatory form to be signed and returned before any livestock can be accepted.
• Livestock will not be accepted at TQM unless this form has been acknowledged and signed.
• Calves must be adequately fed milk or milk replacement on farm within 6 hours of loading the truck.
• Bobby calves must be in good health, alert and be able to rise from a lying position
• Calves must be at least 5 days old and must not have a wet cord or soft feet.