An administrative court in Bastia condemned the French State for failing in its veterinary control mission at the Porto-Vecchio slaughterhouse, citing animal welfare violations.
Court rules against state over slaughterhouse practices
The administrative court of Bastia ruled on Tuesday that the French state failed in its veterinary oversight duties at the Porto-Vecchio slaughterhouse, citing multiple violations of animal welfare standards. The decision followed an examination of appeals filed by the animal protection group L214, which had previously released videos showing what it claimed were instances of animals being stunned while still conscious and other improper handling practices.Videos led to legal action
In the summer of 2025, L214 released videos filmed inside the Porto-Vecchio slaughterhouse in May and July, alleging that animals were bled while still conscious after failed stunning and that shearing movements were used during the ritual slaughter. The association also accused state authorities, particularly the Departmental Directorate for Population Protection (DDPP) of Corsica-South, of complicity in these practices.Legal process and appeals
L214 filed two appeals with the administrative court of Bastia. The first sought to overturn the prefect of Corsica-South’s refusal to suspend the slaughterhouse’s operations, and the second aimed to hold the state accountable for its failure in veterinary control. The prefect eventually ordered the suspension of the slaughterhouse after a formal warning from the facility in early August.Court finds multiple violations
The administrative court found several violations, including issues with the cattle immobilization equipment. The court noted that the equipment allowed animals to move and turn, making it difficult to stun them effectively. It also cited video evidence showing two cattle being placed in an immobilization box designed for only one animal, which led to them being stunned in the presence of each other.Lack of proper stunning procedures
The court also identified shortcomings in the stunning process, with some cattle showing signs of regaining consciousness, such as head and back movements. It emphasized that employees should have checked for unconsciousness before proceeding with slaughter, especially given the animals’ agitation and movements.Employee training and oversight missing
The court found that employees at the Porto-Vecchio slaughterhouse did not follow mandatory procedures, such as placing cattle necks in a chin rest required by a 1997 decree. It also noted that there was no evidence that employees had received training on animal welfare or held relevant competence certificates. The prefect’s claim that the slaughterhouse had an animal welfare officer was not supported by any documentation.
