August 7, 2007

Dutch pigs die on transport to Spain

A rift over standards of animal welfare has broken out in the Netherlands over regarding the death of live pigs during transport going to Spain.

Representatives of two animal rights organisations followed a road shipment of 972 piglets to Spain. They said the animals received no water or food and were too closely crowded together during the trip. Thirteen of the piglets died and many others were weak in reaching their destination.

The campaigners have lodged a complaint with the Dutch General Inspection Service (AID) over abuses in the transport of pigs.

However, the owner of the pigs has rejected the accusations and is reported to be considering legal action against the animal rights groups. The producer is blaming them for the deaths of the 13 piglets, stating it suffered stress when the campaigners boarded the vehicles and put their hands inside during breaks in the journey.