The investigation will be focusing on potential breaches of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 in relation to video footage allegedly taken inside an abattoir in Gippsland recently, according to a statement issued by Dr Hugh Millar, Chief Veterinary Officer of Victoria.

DPI is working closely with PrimeSafe Victoria - which is the authority responsible for the licensing of all Victorian domestic abattoirs.

PrimeSafe has ordered the owners of the abattoir to cease operations and has suspended their licence pending a full investigation.

As the matter is currently the subject of a PrimeSafe investigation in relation to possible breaches of the Meat Industry Act 1993 and DPI inspectors are preparing a separate investigation under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986, DPI cannot comment further on the details of the complaint.