Two men have pleaded guilty to animal cruelty offences after they were filmed kicking pigs in the face and head, often violently and repeatedly, in over 100 incidents.
The footage was taken in April via a number of secret cameras left on Fir Tree pig farm in Lincolnshire, following an anonymous tip-off to animal welfare charity Animal Equality.
The farm is owned by Elsham Linc – one of Britain’s largest pig producers.
The workers leave a ‘downed’ pig without veterinary care for 48 hours before shooting it. Workers are seen laughing about the abuse and swearing at pigs.
On Friday (23 November), Troy Wagstaff, 30, and Artirs Grogprkevs, 31 pleaded guilty in Grimsby Magistrates Court to causing unnecessary suffering to an animal.
A third man failed to appear in court. The two men will face sentencing next month.
'Indefensible'
The National Pig Association (NPA) has reacted to the footage, and said that as an organisation it does not tolerate or condone violence towards animals in any way.
“We are clear that the actions of the individuals depicted in the footage are indefensible and should be treated accordingly,” the NPA said.
“Such behaviour is abhorrent to all pig farmers and the business involved, which has acted responsibly and immediately by terminating employment of the members of staff following a thorough investigation and is cooperating fully with the authorities.
“The NPA will take the lead in investigating what further measures can be put in place to prevent any similar incidents from occurring on British pig farms.”
