Animal Aid abattoir cruelty footage: myth busted
Animal cruelty is completely unacceptable, and we vigorously pursue action wherever we can.
![](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a37dad1ed915d5a62fdc6d6/s300_defra-sign-grey.jpg)
The myth: Animal Aid has used undercover filming to show abuse at a slaughterhouse, and is criticising Defra for not seeking a prosecution - with the implication that the department does not care about animal welfare.
The truth: This is not true. Animal cruelty is completely unacceptable, and we vigorously pursue action wherever we can. But as Defra found in a previous prosecution based on an Animal Aid video, if the evidence has been obtained unlawfully through trespass there is very little prospect of securing a conviction.