Queensland Government Declines Investigation into AACo Cattle Deaths Amidst Regulatory Concerns
The Queensland government has decided against investigating the Australian Agricultural Company (AACo) following the deaths of over 100 of its cattle due to thirst. This decision has drawn criticism from a legal expert who suggested potential regulatory capture by the industry.
Internal government documents, obtained under Right to Information laws, revealed the department's choice not to conduct a deeper inquiry. AACo reportedly notified Queensland's Department of Primary Industries (DPI) of the thirst deaths and another separate incident more than a month after they occurred last summer. This notification coincided with the ABC's inquiry to the company regarding the deaths.
Incident Details
Approximately 140 cattle, including cows and calves, died at an AACo property around the Australia Day weekend last year. A contributing factor was theorized to be a tap for a water trough being accidentally turned off.
Separately, about 90 AACo animals died at a different property in the same month while on agistment. These animals reportedly became disoriented in a new paddock after receiving fly repellent treatment.
AACo confirmed the tragedies without disputing specific details, stating such incidents are unacceptable and distressing.
Regulatory Response and Criticism
Steven White, a Griffith University lecturer specializing in animal protection law, asserted that the DPI should have conducted an independent investigation into the causes of death.
"It is unacceptable for a regulator to depend on company assurances due to inherent conflicts of interest and incentives to minimize event significance."
The department maintained that it takes animal welfare seriously. It reported that a government staff member worked with AACo to assess the situation, confirming no disease was present. AACo indicated it had adjusted procedures to prevent recurrence, and the department concluded that further investigation was not required. Internal emails indicated that the department's risk assessment was based solely on AACo's assurances of adjusted practices.
Company Background and Context
AACo is a major luxury beef producer, with notable shareholders including Joe Lewis and Andrew Forrest's investment venture. The company markets its high-end Wagyu beef, emphasizing animal welfare in its branding. The deaths occurred despite AACo promoting its use of technology, such as electronic water monitoring, to investors.
Other Australian jurisdictions have investigated similar cattle dehydration deaths, leading to prosecutions or the development of new guidelines.
White argued that an independent investigation would provide significant value by verifying company actions and sending a clear message to the wider industry about proactive animal welfare measures. He stressed the department's responsibility to enforce the Animal Care and Protection Act and act in the public interest, not solely in the interests of a private company, suggesting a potential breach of duty of care to the animals.