Huon Aquaculture has lost its RSPCA certification after workers were filmed allegedly sealing live salmon in a container with dead fish during a recent mass mortality event.
The withdrawal ends a seven-year partnership that set the company apart as the only Australian salmon producer to meet the organisation’s strict animal welfare standards.
“We are incredibly disappointed that a single incident that occurred during an unprecedented, challenging period has brought an end to our association with the RSPCA,” said Hannah Gray, Huon’s General Manager of Stakeholder and Government Relations.
“We fully acknowledge the seriousness of the incident, which was extremely distressing to us and the community.”
Gray said Huon will continue farming to RSPCA standards, even without the official badge.
She added that staff take “immense pride” in their jobs and are “understandably disappointed” by the decision.
“Huon salmon remains a high quality, safe, healthy choice of protein that is in strong demand across Australian and overseas,” Gray said.
Environmental groups had been pressuring the RSPCA to fully revoke Huon’s certification following its initial 14-day suspension.
RSPCA Australia’s Chief Executive Richard Mussell confirmed that, as of now, no salmon producers in the country hold RSPCA certification.
“While we acknowledge this was a single incident following many years of certification, the decision to withdraw a certification reflects how seriously we take incidents like this that compromise animal welfare,” he said.
“Fish, including those farmed for human consumption, are sentient beings and, like other animals, can experience pain and suffering.”
“When they’re farmed for food, the welfare of fish must be front of mind.”
