Administrators called into halal abattoir

Administrators have been called into a halal abattoir in North Yorkshire which hit the headlines earlier this year after hidden cameras filmed the alleged mistreatment of animals.

Buyers are now being sought for Bowood Farms Ltd in Thirsk. In February the Food Standards Agency said it had launched an investigation into the footage, saying it was considering whether prosecutions should be brought.

Animal rights group Animal Aid used hidden cameras to record footage over a period of three days in December which appeared to show sheep being kicked in the face and head, lifted by their ears, fleeces or legs, and hurled into solid structures.

Bowood Lamb said at the time the footage was released that it had dismissed one member of staff and suspended three others.