In June 2022, along with thousands of other road transported pigs, ‘Imogen’ arrived at the Swickers Bacon Factory in Kingaroy, Queensland. Imogen was unable to walk off the truck with the other pigs. As she lay on the ramp for over an hour, she was hit, kicked, pushed, mocked, and sprayed with a high-pressure hose. As other concerned pigs stopped to check on her, they were also beaten.
Imogen was then killed on the ramp.
The distressing footage captured by AnimalKIND shows the brutal and callous treatment of Imogen was merciless and prolonged. Imogen’s suffering shocked and appalled the public, and thousands of compassionate people voiced their concerns by personally contacting the Queensland Government.
Following the public release of AnimalKIND’s footage, authorities launched an investigation. In mid-2023, two former Swickers employees were charged with animal cruelty related to this incident and the cruelty inflicted on Imogen. AnimalKIND cooperated fully with investigators, providing a statement and raw footage, AnimalKIND’s former Campaign Director attended court for half a day to give evidence. The trial was conducted over two separate days and was expected to continue in early 2025.
In November 2024, the animal cruelty charges were withdrawn by Biosecurity Queensland, without any further explanation and dismissed in Kingaroy Magistrates Court.
The dismissal of these charges leaves important unanswered questions about the oversight, accountability, enforcement and transparency of animal welfare legislation in regards to slaughterhouse facilities.
Since learning of this, AnimalKIND has relentlessly continued to seek clarification and transparency through ongoing Right To Information (RTI) requests to ascertain why these charges were withdrawn. Our April 2025 RTI request has continued to be met with repeated time extensions. We believe this delay is reflective of the systemic resistance to public scrutiny.
AnimalKIND is fully committed to uncovering the history surrounding Imogen’s case, the department’s investigation, and why prosecution of those who inflicted such cruelty did not proceed. Now, in Imogen’s memory, we need your help to demand answers and transparency from the QLD Government.
We will not allow Imogen’s story to be forgotten or remain untold, and nor will we stand by silent while truth and transparency are silenced.
Imogen’s story is a stark reminder of the urgent need for accountability, transparency and stronger protections for all farmed animals. AnimalKIND will continue the fight to expose what happens behind closed doors — the hidden cruelties that industries don’t want you to see.
