Animals Australia urges probe into alleged welfare breaches at Tasmanian salmon farms

Animals Australia has filed a formal complaint demanding that Biosecurity Tasmania examine whether Tasmania's salmon farms have breached sections of the state Animal Welfare Act concerning duty of care, management and cruelty. The complaint targets the three largest producers—Huon Aquaculture, Tassal Group and Petuna Aquaculture—and lists practices such as non-anaesthetic fin-clipping, up to 72-hour feed withdrawal, and potentially ineffective stunning during slaughter as possible violations.

It also raises concerns about the treatment of seals and seabirds affected by farm operations. The Department of Natural Resources and Environment acknowledged the submission and indicated the matter is being considered. Salmon Tasmania, representing the industry, defended the sector, emphasizing strict regulation, veterinary oversight and adherence to international welfare standards, and dismissed the claims as recycled and false. Legal expert Bianka Atlas described the complaint as significant and worthy of regulatory scrutiny, noting that any offence would depend on detailed evidence of specific practices.