Calls for B.C. slaughterhouse to be shut down after cruelty investigation launched

Secretly shot video inside a B.C. slaughterhouse that is now the focus of an animal cruelty investigation has prompted protest in Vancouver.

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Secretly shot video inside a B.C. slaughterhouse that is now the focus of an animal cruelty investigation has prompted protest in Vancouver.

Demonstrators chanted "there's no excuse for abuse" and held signs with grim images taken from the footage.

The protesters gathered on a quiet street across from a local supermarket. The store was targeted because it had carried products processed by Meadow Valley Meats, the subject of the investigation.

On Wednesday, Animal Justice, a national animal advocacy group, filed a legal complaint against the company. The organization alleges staff at its facility were "forcefully hitting and kicking" cows, sheep and goats before leading the animals to slaughter. It also claims workers used improper slaughter techniques that could contravene Canadian regulations governing slaughterhouses.

"We see animals handled roughly in a variety of respects, including electric prods used on their face, which the regulations are just crystal clear in that you are not allowed to do that at the time of slaughter." Camille Labchuk, executive director of Animal Justice, told CTV National News.

One of the three agencies the group sent their brief to was the BC SPCA. It is now conducting its own investigation into the allegations against the slaughterhouse.