Pig farm investigation

“We acted quickly after receiving the footage and launched an urgent investigation, which has now concluded. Since our investigation, the producer group has cancelled membership for this site. This means this farm is no longer an RSPCA Assured member.

“As part of our investigation, one of our scheme investigation managers carried out an unannounced visit to the farm within 24 hours of receiving the footage. They were reassured to see the pigs on site at the time were clean, active and had plenty of enrichment and straw to root around in.

“However, as animal welfare is our top priority, we must be confident that the RSPCA’s welfare standards are followed at all times, which is why we issued the farm with a formal warning, and - had they remained an RSPCA Assured member - they would have received another unannounced visit within six months.

“As a result of our visit, we gave the farm additional advice on keeping bedding topped up to help maintain clean, dry conditions and provide sufficient enrichment.

“The injured pigs seen in the footage had been segregated into a hospital pen and were already receiving treatment and care when they were filmed. Decisions about whether euthanasia is necessary are made by the farmer, often in conjunction with their vet, based on the best welfare interests of each animal.

“Some of the dark marks seen on the pigs in the footage were ink identification marks, a legal requirement when moving pigs off a farm. This site was also using green oak shaving as an absorbent material placed under the straw, which can make the area darker in appearance.

“We urge anyone with concerns about a farmed animal on an RSPCA Assured certified farm to report it straight away. Any delay puts animals at risk of unnecessary suffering.”