A recent four-month investigation by Guardian Australia has uncovered significant breaches of animal welfare in New South Wales abattoirs, revealing an alarming understaffing crisis.

Concerns have been raised that this understaffing could jeopardize Australia's international trade relationships if foreign auditors discover the situation.

Whistleblower complaints indicate that some abattoirs have been left unmonitored for extended periods due to staff shortages, which threatens compliance with international trade obligations.

Despite these alarming findings, the federal agriculture department maintains that its oversight program is neither compromised nor understaffed.

Animal protection groups argue that the current oversight system creates a conflict of interest, as the department is responsible for both promoting meat exports and ensuring animal welfare, prompting calls for an independent oversight body.

Whistleblower testimonies suggest a culture of intimidation exists within the industry, where veterinarians feel pressured not to report animal welfare incidents due to fears of job loss or transfers.

Veterinarians have reported that their ability to report animal welfare breaches has been systematically diminished, with new rules restricting access to animal pens for inspections.

Reports from veterinarians in Australia’s export abattoirs detail severe incidents of animal cruelty, including the hypothermia deaths of over 100 sheep in 2022.

In one shocking case, a veterinarian found a cow with a decomposing calf stuck in its pelvic canal, yet instead of reporting the incident, superiors apologized to the abattoir owners after the veterinarian intervened.

The mental strain on veterinary staff is evident, with one veterinarian reporting PTSD and feeling unsupported and bullied in the workplace.

Leaked documents reveal that government veterinarians have consistently expressed concerns about inadequate oversight in the export meat industry, describing 'profound problems' within the system.

While the department claims to have sufficient staffing, it has faced criticism for relying on self-reporting from abattoir companies regarding animal welfare incidents.