The RSPCA has suspended Huon Aquaculture’s ‘RSPCA Approved’ certification after footage emerged showing the “inhumane handling” of salmon.
The video released by activists shows live salmon being pumped into a sealed bin containing dead and diseased fish, where they were reportedly left to suffocate.
In a statement on Saturday morning, RSPCA Australia said the suspension has been put in place for “an initial period of 14 days” while “further enquiries” are undertaken.
“The inhumane handling of live, sick or injured fish as shown in the video being circulated is completely unacceptable,” the RSPCA said.
“We will continue to follow our established processes in relation to this matter and will have more to say in due course.”
The suspension was issued due to breaches of guidelines stating that “fish must not be left to die in air” and that those handling them must be “appropriately trained and competent”.
“As the public response to this incident shows, animal welfare in farming is incredibly important to Australians and this is no different when it comes to aquaculture,” the RSPCA added.
“Fish are sentient animals capable of pain and suffering, which is why the RSPCA Approved Standard exists in the first place.”
Jess Coughlan of Neighbours of Fish Farming has urged the RSPCA to take stronger action and “cease all endorsement” of Tasmanian salmon for good.
“Shoppers rely on certifications and endorsements such as the RSPCA to make informed consumer choices that fit their values,” she said.
“Live animals suffering from disease that are left to suffocate to death absolutely should not earn the RSPCA badge that is displayed … alongside Huon Aquaculture farmed salmon.”
Industry body Salmon Tasmania said the incident “does not represent normal operations procedures”, while Huon’s General Manager of Stakeholder and Government Relations Hannah Gray said a “full internal investigation” has been launched.
“The actions captured in the footage do not reflect Huon’s stringent standards or our established protocols,” Gray said.
“In normal operations, moribund fish are very rarely pumped during mortality retrieval and humane euthanasia procedures are followed if necessary.”
More than one million fish are believed to have been wiped out by a disease currently spreading through fish farming pens in Tasmania’s south.
According to EPA data, 5,500 tonnes of salmon waste, equivalent to about 6% of annual salmon production, was dumped in February.
