INVESTIGATIONS have been launched into claims that animals are being slaughtered in horrific conditions at an 'illegal' abattoir just minutes from Ilkley town centre.

The RSPCA and Bradford and Harrogate Councils are all looking into claims made about Upper Austby Farm, in Langbar, by a national newspaper last weekend.

Joining forces with an animal rights group, reporters from the paper posed as meat traders and say they recorded shocking scenes of inhumane slaughter carried out in filthy conditions.

The allegations were made against farm owner Harold Gray and his son, Michael.

But, speaking to the Gazette yesterday, an infuriated Mr Gray denied all the allegations.

Under the law only those with licences can slaughter animals for commercial use, and they have to conform to strict rules to ensure the death is humane (although rules are relaxed for Halal) and carried out in an hygienic environment.

But the newspaper report claimed to have witnessed killings carried out in a barn covered in animal faeces, in full view of other animals - a practice which is illegal because of the distress it causes.

The newspaper and Hillside Animal Sanctuary, from Norwich, say undernourished sheep were among those being slaughtered. The article also made other allegations about the state of some of the animals and the nature of the killings.

Mr Gray said angrily: "I have run a slaughterhouse here for 30 years which is supervised by Ministry vets and trading standards, and everything I do here is above board and legal.

"No animals are killed in front of other animals. They are slaughtered one at a time and stunned, if they need to be, beforehand.

"My slaughterhouse looks a picture and everything is spotless. There is no 'barn'.

"I didn't know anything about this until the piece came out. They came unsuspected and they had no business on my premises. I am very angry."

Mr Gray added that he had received messages of support from many people, including some local MPs, and that he would be asking his solicitor to see if he had a case for suing the national Sunday newspaper.

An RSPCA spokesman confirmed that it was now looking into the claims. He said: "We have received a recording of the tape which our special operations unit will be looking at this week to assess what needs to be done and to look at the evidence."

Investigations to find the truth about the claims could be complicated by the fact that the 400-acre farm is based on land which comes under the jurisdiction of several local authorities.

However, a spokesman for Bradford Council said it would be co-operating fully with neighbouring organisations.

He said: "The farm implicated is not in our area but we are concerned if uninspected meat is being used in Bradford.

"We will continue to work closely with colleagues from other areas and agencies to protect the public by ensuring that prompt action is taken to investigate such matters and take action against those involved whenever possible.

"Meat for human consumption is usually subject to inspection by appropriate experts to ensure that it is fit to be eaten and that the animals are being treated humanely.

"As a result slaughterhouses have to be licensed and independent qualified, meat hygiene officials also have to be present to inspect animals before and after slaughter.

"However, there is also a provision for farmers and others to kill their own stock for personal consumption. We would prefer it if meat for human consumption could only be produced on licensed premises."

Meanwhile assistant director of Health for Harrogate Council, Nicky Garside, said that authority would also be examining the allegations.

She said: "We are aware of the newspaper article and it clearly raises serious allegations about practices being undertaken at the premises referred to.

"It would seem that there potentially could be a number of local authorities involved. Environmental health officers of this council will be investigating."