A Sydney abattoir is under investigation after video footage emerged last night containing “horrific” images of animal cruelty. The video, taken secretly inside the Hawkesbury Valley Abattoir at Wilberforce and aired on Lateline, shows pigs being beaten with what appears to be a metal bar before they’re slaughtered.

The NSW Food Authority has closed the abattoir in Sydney’s far north-west after reviewing the footage. The RSPCA has also examined the video and is launching an on-site investigation today into possible breaches of animal cruelty laws.