About the campaign
The Harrowing Footage
The disturbing covert footage allegedly shows excessive use of electric goads, cows bellowing in fear, head and limbs dismembered with alleged signs of pain and suffering.
While UK law permits slaughter without prior stunning, strict animal welfare laws still apply. Slaughterhouse workers working with live animals are required to check for signs of consciousness before dismembering. The footage suggests that these checks may not have been carried out before the animals were dismembered.
Image source: YouTube, Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) licence. Original video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bvgz2My0fJs
Our story
Hartshead Meats Animal Justice was established in response to the alleged animal cruelty at Hartshead Meats. We demand accountability for what happened, a full investigation into the alleged offences, action from the relevant authorities, and the closure of the facility to prevent further animal suffering.
Since launching, the campaign has formed a very large, inclusive and diverse community. Together, we raise awareness, contact decision-makers, share verified information and advocate for action.
Our campaign is continuing to grow, but greater public attention and participation are needed to maintain pressure and ensure this issue cannot be ignored.
Our aim is clear: accountability for alleged offences, action from authorities, and an end to any suffering of animals at the facility.
This campaign is about animal welfare concerns at the facility where the covert footage was recorded. We reject antisemitism, Islamophobia and all hatred, abusive and discriminatory content.
The FSA investigation
An FSA investigation was launched following the released covert footage allegedly filmed at Hartshead Meats Limited in early 2026. The FSA initially undertook enforcement action at the start of an operational review, which has now led to the currently ongoing criminal investigation by the FSA's Criminal Investigation Team.
The undercover footage published on YouTube raises serious questions about Hartshead Meats Ltd.
The campaign
The campaign is working towards clear outcomes: accountability for what happened, action from the relevant authorities, and the permanent closure of the slaughterhouse.
Alongside this, the campaign exists to raise awareness of the investigation and keep the pressure on authorities to take appropriate action.
- Accountability for what happened at the facility
- Action from the relevant authorities
- Shutting down the slaughterhouse
- Raising awareness of the investigation
- Supporting meaningful action by supporters