A stand-off at a South Australian abattoir has ended and 23 protesters reported, as the RSPCA confirmed the business is the subject of an investigation.
The group climbed up to the roof of the slaughterhouse, which they accuse of being involved in animal cruelty practices, and surrendered only when a sheep was handed over.
Some were atop the building at Strathalbyn, south-east of Adelaide, for several hours, after the demonstration began early on Friday morning.
Hidden camera footage, the group say, was filmed inside the facility depicts acts of animal cruelty including pigs drowning in scalding water and sheep, pigs and cattle being improperly stunned.
A statement released by the RSPCA South Australia said an investigation was taking place on the basis of the footage supplied to it earlier this month.
Under regulations, animals should be stunned and unconscious at the time they are killed - but the RSPCA said their condition is hard to ascertain using only video evidence.
While the investigation is underway, the RSPCA chief inspector has conducted two inspections, including one without notice, and reported that the facility passed both.
The activists on Friday rolled out large banners on the roof and published videos online, initially requesting a guided and filmed tour of the slaughterhouse in operation.
Police reported 23 people for criminal trespass, and they will be summonsed to appear in court at a later date.
Animal rights activist Chris Delforce, who took part in the protest, said the use of hidden cameras is necessary in an industry "hidden in secrecy".
"Consumers have a right to know what they're paying for when they purchase meat, dairy and egg products," he said.
"The reality behind the neatly packaged products on supermarket shelves is the brutal slaughter of an animal who desperately didn't want to die."
