Wagga Wagga Farmer Fined Over Illegal Knackery

A Wagga Wagga man has been fined $12,000 and ordered to pay more than $30,000 in costs after operating an illegal knackery in southern New South Wales.

The man was convicted in Wagga Wagga Local Court on two offences under the state's Food Act, including operating an unlicensed knackery and an unlicensed animal food van.

Authorities say the operation ran between August 2023 and May 2024 and was uncovered during a multi-agency investigation involving Wagga Wagga City Council, the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Local Land Services, New South Wales Police and Racing New South Wales.

Compliance officers found the property was being used to slaughter horses and pigs for sale as pet meat for greyhounds, with animal carcasses discovered in various stages of decomposition.

Investigators seized around 300 kilograms of horse and pig meat as evidence of the operation.

The New South Wales Food Authority says the prosecution sends a strong message that strict licensing and safety standards for processing animals for animal food will continue to be enforced.