Andgar Piggery Fire

The Hon. R.A. SIMMS (15:01): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before addressing a question without notice to the Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development regarding the fire at Andgar Piggery.

Leave granted.

The Hon. R.A. SIMMS: This week, hundreds of pigs were killed when a fire broke out at Andgar Piggery in Dublin. The Advertiser has reported that hay bales are believed to have spontaneously combusted due to dry and warm winds, leading to flames engulfing two sheds housing the animals. Andgar Piggery was investigated by the RSPCA earlier this year over animal cruelty allegations following video footage that revealed animals living in disturbing conditions. RSPCA and PIRSA veterinary staff attended the piggery in June, resulting in 14 pigs being euthanised. The RSPCA has also investigated other sites owned by the same company, including sites at Brownlow, Two Wells and Finniss Park, following the footage and images shared by the Farm Transparency Project. My question to the minister is:

1. What action has the minister taken in relation to the fire at Andgar Piggery?

2. Does the minister hold concerns for the conditions at other piggeries across the state, and what action is she taking?

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (15:02): I thank the honourable member for his question. On Monday 15 September, the CFS responded to a significant structure fire on a piggery at Dublin, north of Adelaide. At the CFS's request, officers from both PIRSA and the RSPCA attended to assist with assessment and euthanasia of pigs who were injured during the fire.

I am advised that it is estimated that approximately 200 animals perished in the fire, with another 45 pigs jointly euthanised by PIRSA and RSPCA. It is estimated another 75 to 80 pigs were euthanised by piggery management. I am advised that 78 pigs survived. PIRSA and the RSPCA assessed and provided emergency veterinary care to these animals on the day of the fire, and PIRSA has offered to assist the piggery's management and private vet with reassessment of the surviving pigs. PIRSA will continue to assist the RSPCA with ongoing welfare investigations that are already occurring in relation to this site.

It is correct that the piggery involved in this incident has been under investigation by the RSPCA for serious animal welfare issues, reported to the RSPCA in May. I am advised that PIRSA has been assisting the RSPCA with their investigations, with three site inspections occurring between June and September. I am advised that significant improvements in the management and housing of pigs were observed during the September inspection. The RSPCA is the lead agency investigating the welfare issues, and will determine if prosecution of the piggery owners is warranted for the welfare issues detected.

The significant fire at the Andgar piggery is very, very unfortunate and sad in terms of the welfare of the affected pigs. There is obviously also significant infrastructure damage. However, according to my advice, it does not appear that the fire and previous welfare investigations are related.