Severe cruelty to pigs exposed

Published 04/07/2011

Compassion in World Farming applauds Mercy for Animals for its recent undercover investigation into pig farming in the US.

The investigative footage gives an insight into one of North America's largest pork producers between April and June of 2011, exposing shocking cruelty to pigs and piglets.

Watch the video
For those with a strong constitution, the video can be watched on Mercy for Animals' website.The video shows:

• Piglets having their testicles ripped out without painkillers.
• Conscious piglets scream in agony whilst having their tails cut.
• Farm workers throwing piglets across the room - comparing it to a "roller coaster ride" and claiming piglets are very "bouncy".
• There is clear evidence of sick and injured pigs and piglets being left untended, which is likely to have led to a slow and painful death for some of these animals.

Pigs are highly intelligent creatures who can feel pain and suffer. Not only are the pigs shown in this video exposed to severe pain and suffering, but they are also being denied their basic needs and the right to act out their natural behaviours, such as rooting and foraging for food.

The legalities
The exposé comes at a time when some US states are considering a bill that will make it illegal for campaigners to shoot films or take photographs of farms undercover. Campaigners are contesting the bill on the grounds that it is an infringement on the country's First Amendment of the United States Constitution, which includes freedom of speech and freedom of the press.

Compassion's investigations
Compassion in World Farming's investigation team also works hard to uncover and expose illegal and cruel farming practices that cause suffering to farm animals. Compassion's investigations into pig farms across Europe captured images of animals huddled on barren, slatted floors and illegal routine tail docking. Compassion is using this film to lobby for better enforcement of EU law on pig welfare.

Many consumers are unaware of the welfare issues surrounding factory farming when purchasing meat, eggs or dairy products. Compassion works with farmers and the food industry on how to ensure a higher level of welfare for farm animals. Click here for help identifying high welfare pork produce.

TAKE ACTION:

• You can watch the film here.
• Write to decision makers and support Mercy for Animals and Compassion in World Farming's ongoing work - to prevent the unnecessary suffering of animals.