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Sacked farm workers condemned after ‘abhorrent’ pig abuse caught on camera
The footage came to light following an undercover filming operation by an animal rights group during April.
Lauren Dean
Industry leaders have condemned the actions of four farm workers on a Lincolnshire pig farm after undercover footage exposed ‘abhorrent’ behaviour.
The footage, broadcast by Sky News earlier today (May 23), was reportedly filmed between April 1 and 27 this year on Fir Tree Farm, Lincolnshire, following an anonymous tip-off.
Abuse included kicking pigs in the face and head, jabbing them with the tines of a mucking-out fork and spraying marker paint directly up a pig’s nose.
The National Pig Association (NPA) said this type of behaviour was ‘abhorrent to all pig farmers’.
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“The NPA does not tolerate or condone violence or cruelty towards animals in any way,” a spokesman said. “We are clear that the actions of the individuals depicted in the footage are indefensible and should be treated accordingly.
“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.
Shocked
“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.”
The Godfrey family, who own the farm, said they were ‘shocked’ by the actions. “Their abhorrent behaviour does not represent our business,” they said.
“We are a family run farm where the care and welfare of our pigs is paramount.”
The four individuals caught in the footage have had their employment terminated and investigations are underway by the RSPCA.
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