Perpignan slaughterhouse faces inspection following animal cruelty allegations

The animal rights association L214 has filed a formal complaint against the La Catalane d’abattage slaughterhouse in Perpignan, alleging severe animal cruelty and maltreatment. Shocking video and photographic evidence released by the group reportedly shows animals being cut open while alive, cows being slaughtered without stunning, and pigs being struck with fists.

In response to the allegations, the Prefect of Pyrénées-Orientales has ordered a complete inspection of the facility, scheduled for August 31 and September 1, 2026. The inspection will be conducted by the Direction départementale de la protection des populations (DDPP).

As a preliminary measure, state services have immediately suspended the slaughterhouse's authorization for ritual slaughter, affecting Halal and Kosher meat production. While the DDPP noted some technical failures, such as improper waiting times after slaughter, officials stated that other production lines do not necessarily need to be interrupted pending the full inspection results.