Farmer wants CCTV in animal killing rooms after abattoir cruelty exposed

The comments arise after video footage taken from inside a North-West abattoir was publicly released, showing a cow's head getting stuck in machinery while appearing conscious, and staff headbutting and punching sheep.

The meat farmer, who wanted to remain anonymous, said increased surveillance could prevent the rough treatment of animals and ensure welfare standards are being met.

"Having CCTV footage is not a bad idea. If you are doing the right thing then it shouldn't be a problem, it shouldn't be an issue," the farmer said.

"Any mishandling of animals we are completely against, that is a given, and pretty much any farmer will tell you that," they said.

"Everyone in the industry should be trying to do the best they can. That is what we want as producers."

Footage secretly recorded in 30 Australian abattoirs is being uploaded to the Farm Transparency Project website, including photos and footage taken at five Tasmanian abattoirs.

Its actions have resulted in government investigations and the development of a task force to consider reform in the industry.

This week the group took aim at The Local Meat Co abattoir in Sheffield, and said it will release more footage of the other abattoirs this month.

The group said it wants to expose breaches of "already inadequate animal welfare standards" and has called on the government to close the abattoirs.

Primary Industries Minister Jo Palmer has committed to a "very decisive and very comprehensive response" to the situation, and said the government will not tolerate acts of animal cruelty.

The taskforce will look at abattoir culture, state animal welfare standards, and biosecurity.

Greens leader Rosalie Woodruff said the recent footage confirmed an urgent need for increased regulation, such as mandatory CCTV in abattoirs to improve animal welfare and guarantee cruelty-free meat.

"Tasmania needs government regulated CCTV surveillance and independent monitoring, and it needs it now," she said.