Tönnies announces increased controls at Kellinghusen slaughterhouse

Following the release of footage alleging animal welfare violations at the R. Thomsen slaughterhouse in Kellinghusen, the Tönnies Group has announced plans to intensify internal monitoring and staff training. The facility, which processes approximately one million pigs annually, has utilized surveillance cameras in relevant areas for over a decade, but the company acknowledged that recorded footage must be evaluated more frequently to identify and correct human misconduct.

Animal Rights Watch (ARIWA) provided footage, reportedly recorded between March and April, which depicts instances of violence against pigs, including being struck in the face or trapped in lift gates. Allegations in a criminal complaint also include improper stunning procedures. While Tönnies has attributed these incidents to the failures of individual employees, critics argue the issues reflect systemic problems inherent in industrial slaughter practices.

Kai Braunmiller, chairman of the Federal Working Group for Meat Hygiene, Animal Welfare, and Consumer Protection, stated that improved training and more frequent video sampling are essential to prevent such incidents. He noted that behavior can deviate significantly when employees are not under direct supervision.