Two Western Australian Government departments are conducting investigations into a Kimberly region pastoral company and abattoir following allegations that hundreds of cattle died in station yards and abattoir waste was dumped in breach of environmental regulations.

The investigations follow ABC Radio reports airing allegations that more than 400 cattle died in Yeeda Pastoral Company yards during 2022 and that the company’s abattoir disposed of slaughtered animal waste in unfenced piles on Yeeda Station in breach of environmental regulations.

In a statement published by ABC, a Yeeda Pastoral Company spokesperson said: “The company holds animal welfare at the core of its values. In late 2022, an oversupply of cattle was recognised and immediate measures were put in place to address matters.”

“Over the past 12 months, under new management, the company has made significant changes to its operations and has been working closely with industry and industry participants to ensure best practice and compliance with the new operating structure.”

Beef Central approached Yeeda Pastoral Company for comment on the reported allegations and was told the company would not be making further public statements on the ongoing investigations.

A spokesperson from the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation provided the following statement on its investigation:

“Kimberley Meat Company Pty Ltd is licensed under Part V of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 to operate the Colourstone Abattoir.  Licence conditions impose controls on the management of waste to mitigate impacts to the environment. A copy of the licence can be accessed here.

DWER has initiated an investigation into this matter to determine whether activities are compliant or non-compliant. It would not be appropriate for the department to comment further while the investigation remains active.”

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) provided the following statement:

“Enquiries are underway by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) into animal welfare concerns at Yeeda Pastoral Company holding yards in 2022, recently reported in the media.

“The department had not previously received any information regarding the cattle deaths in holding yards at Yeeda Pastoral Company in 2022.

“Anyone with information that could aid enquiries is encouraged to contact the RSPCA on 1300 278 358 or online at www.rspcawa.org.au/report-cruelty.

“DPIRD has no further comment on the progress of enquiries.”