May 19, 2009
New Zealand consumers appalled at poor pig farm welfare
A surprise pig farm story on a Sunday TV programme in New Zealand had provoked several netizens expressing their shock at the practices uncovered.
"I am shocked that pigs are farmed in such an appalling way. The images were somewhat disturbing and this is definitely a case of animal abuse! I am so disgusted by the conditions they are kept in," said one user.
"I was horrified watching the conditions in which these pigs raised, I like many others buy pork and had no idea how they were being raised ... I now feel very ashamed to be in a country that feels its acceptable to treat animals this way," said another.
The programme showed comedian Mike King along with activists from animal welfare group SAFE breaking into an intensive crate pig farm.
Agriculture Minister David Carter wants SAFE to reveal the farm's location so it can be inspected by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry animal welfare investigators. The New Zealand Pork Industry said the farm does not represent the entire industry, and is supporting the investigation of the farm in question.
Carter said the television images were disturbing, and it is vital to find out if the intensive pig farming operation is in breach of the Animal Welfare Act.
The pork board said the industry is phasing out long-term use of sow stalls, and the process is more than half completed.
The use of sow stalls is banned in the UK and throughout many EU countries.
The SPCA said the only way to avoid eating pork or bacon produced from these conditions is to purchase meat labelled 'free farmed' or 'free range'.
