A factory in Bradford that processes dead and decaying animals has prompted protests from locals who say the smell leaves them retching in the streets. The facility, owned by P Waddington and Co, has long been a source of complaints from residents and from local MP Imran Hussain, who in 2025 called for its closure and relocation.
Protests and health concerns
Protesters have taken to the streets, with resident Mohammed Daraz telling the BBC: "Every time I'm in the area I find myself having to cover my nose or stop myself from retching. This abomination is dragging down the whole city's reputation." The stench has left some unable to open their windows.
In addition to the odour, the plant has been criticised after a rotting animal carcass was allegedly left in a local street earlier this month. A photograph published by The Telegraph and Argus showed what appeared to be a corpse on the tarmac. The local who reportedly found it said: "The carcass is now squashed. Rats will be eating it."
Government report and petition
A local government report from 2024 acknowledged that the plant's function had the "potential to release significant odours" due to the nature of the material being processed. It noted: "The material arriving from slaughterhouses/fallen stock is frequently highly odorous and decomposed, especially during the summer months." While the report stated that mitigation measures were in place, it confirmed that complaints had risen sharply since 2019.
A petition on Change.org calling for a suspension of operations has gathered more than 3,500 signatures, citing potential health risks, environmental impact, and lack of transparency. A spokesman for Waddington told the BBC the company respected people's concerns but had always operated within its environmental permit.
