France Slaughterhouse Under Investigation for Brutal Animal Abuse: Decapitated Cows and Beaten Animals
A shocking investigation by the animal rights organization L214 has revealed disturbing footage of non-regulatory slaughter methods at the Rhône Ouest slaughterhouse in Saint-Romain-de-Popey. The footage, recorded over a span of ten days between October 2024 and January 2025, exposes multiple violations, including cows being decapitated while still alive, animals witnessing the slaughter of their peers, and brutal mistreatment during unloading.
L214 has filed a legal complaint for “severe cruelty” and “mistreatment” and is demanding the immediate closure of the facility.
Gruesome Footage Sparks Outrage
According to L214, cows were found to be decapitated while still conscious, an illegal and highly inhumane practice. Additionally, sheep and pigs were forced to watch the slaughter of their companions, which is explicitly prohibited by slaughterhouse regulations.
"When animals are slaughtered, they are supposed to be dead before any further processing," explained L214 investigator Bérénice Riaux. "The fact that they are still conscious during decapitation is horrifying. The use of the electric stunning device, which should only be used for rendering pigs unconscious, was instead used just to immobilize them, making their suffering even worse."
The investigation also revealed that the slaughterhouse supplies meat to school cafeterias, Intermarché supermarkets, local butchers, and direct-to-consumer producers—some under the prestigious Label Rouge and organic (bio) certifications.
"Consumers buying Label Rouge or organic meat do not imagine that the slaughter process is this brutal," Riaux added.
Legal Action and Allegations of Consumer Fraud
L214 has also filed a separate complaint for consumer deception, particularly in relation to organic-certified products. European organic regulations state:
"All suffering, pain, or distress must be avoided and minimized throughout the life of the animal, including during slaughter."
L214 claims that veterinary authorities in the Rhône were aware of the violations and were even seen present in some of the footage, yet took no action.
"How can authorities allow a facility that blatantly violates regulations and increases animal suffering to remain open?" questioned Riaux.
Authorities Launch Emergency Inspections
Following the release of the footage, an urgent inspection was conducted at the slaughterhouse. French supermarket chain Intermarché has already cut ties with the facility, stopping its supply of veal and lamb.
The Rhône prefecture has confirmed the launch of a judicial investigation, with the Departmental Directorate for Population Protection (DDPP) carrying out an on-site assessment. A comprehensive slaughterhouse inspection by the national abattoir oversight team is scheduled for early next week, with findings expected soon.
Meanwhile, the Western Rhône Agglomeration Community (COR), which owns the slaughterhouse but contracts its management to a private company, claims it was unaware of the abuses. They pointed to a €7.2 million renovation project in progress, which aims to modernize operations, improve animal welfare, and enhance working conditions for employees.
Will This Investigation Bring Real Change?
Since a 2016 nationwide audit of slaughterhouses, L214 has conducted 15 investigations, each exposing severe violations. The organization has successfully sued the French government four times for failing to enforce proper veterinary controls, yet systemic abuses persist.
"We hope this investigation will not only shut down this facility but also bring real changes in the law and public awareness," Riaux stated.
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