Exclusive Investigation Exposes Suffering of 'Outdoor-Bred' Pigs on RSPCA Assured Farm
Pigs reared under the "outdoor-bred" RSPCA Assured label have been found suffering from advanced infections and prolonged discomfort in indoor barns, according to secret footage obtained by activists. The video, filmed at a Herefordshire farm contracted to Stockcroft Pigs, one of Britain's largest outdoor-bred meat companies, shows animals in crowded conditions with minimal enrichment.
Veterinary Assessment Reveals Severe Welfare Issues
Dr Alice Brough, a former pig-industry vet who reviewed the footage, stated that some pigs exhibited signs of tail biting, with infections spreading from untreated wounds into joints, causing severe abscesses. She emphasized that this level of pain is untreatable and that the animals should have been euthanised weeks earlier. "Moving them to a hospital pen only to leave them suffering raises serious questions about why they were not humanely put out of their misery," Dr Brough said.
The footage, captured by the Animal Justice Project (AJP), appeared to show one pig limping on three legs over six weeks, with conditions deteriorating visibly. The hospital pen contained limited bedding that was heavily soiled, and the only enrichment provided was a single suspended plastic bottle for up to 40 pigs.
Disconnect Between Marketing and Reality
BBC Naturewatch presenter Iolo Williams highlighted the misleading nature of "outdoor-bred" labels, noting that these pigs spend around 80% of their lives indoors. "That disconnect between language and reality is something consumers deserve to understand," he said. The AJP argues that such labels lead shoppers to believe animals live entirely outdoors, whereas over 90% of UK pigs are reared indoors, with only 3-4% spending their whole lives outside.
RSPCA Assured Response and Sanctions
After The Independent presented the footage to RSPCA Assured, the charity issued a formal warning and sanctions to the farm. A spokesperson confirmed an urgent investigation, with an unannounced visit within 24 hours. While they noted that pigs on site at the time were clean and active, they imposed strict measures, including another unannounced visit within six months and advice on bedding and enrichment.
RSPCA Assured stated: "Animal welfare is our top priority, and we must be confident that the RSPCA’s welfare standards are being followed at all times." Additional charges were levied to cover the cost of the visit, with further non-compliance potentially leading to suspension from the scheme.
Industry and Retailer Reactions
A spokesperson for the National Pig Association, representing Stockcroft Pigs, acknowledged that some elements in the footage were not best practice but claimed others misrepresented the farm. They emphasized that the pigs were in a hospital pen under veterinary care and that welfare is a priority, with processes in place to address future issues.
One supermarket supplied by Stockcroft stated they take animal welfare seriously and would investigate any breaches, while a fast-food chain did not respond to requests for comment. Andrew Opie of the British Retail Consortium said any welfare breaches are unacceptable and will be met with swift action.
Calls for Regulatory Review
The Animal Justice Project has called for Stockcroft's RSPCA Assured certification to be suspended pending investigation and for a government review of animal-welfare labelling, including terms like "outdoor-bred," "high-welfare," and "free-range." This aligns with the government's animal-welfare strategy, which promises to explore improved food labelling to enhance welfare standards.
This case underscores ongoing concerns about the consistency of welfare standards in the pig industry and the need for greater transparency in consumer labelling to ensure ethical practices.
