There have been some light-hearted pig-related blogs recently; however, our chosen charity for the year, Compassion In World Farming, has been running an investigation for the last 18 months showing some truly shocking farming conditions that raise a host of animal welfare concerns.

Specifically focusing on pig farms across Europe, the charity has discovered “an apparent disregard for pig welfare law and political failure to enforce it.”

As revealed in the video released at a press conference in Brussels earlier this year, the extent of the mistreatment is shocking. Pregnant sows are kept in tiny pens without the space to even turn around. Piglets are weaned at 3-4 weeks and put into common piglet pens which, without their mother, can cause them enormous stress. Some pigs are kept without straw on slatted floors with only a chain or tyre to distract them; some do without even that.

The video points out that high welfare doesn’t necessarily mean free-range and organic. Keeping pigs indoors in low-density, well-ventilated pens may be more conducive to the animal’s welfare.

The overriding message is that the consumer can vote with their wallets, buying only those pork and bacon products that carry national and international stamps of high-welfare breeding.

What is striking is that there are laws and regulations, and just as we strictly abide by our Consumer Credit Licence we think farmers across Europe should do the same.

Here at 247Moneybox.com we have a natural affinity for pigs and, just as we like to look after our 247Moneybox.com pig in the most humane way possible, we would want farmers out there to do the same. So visit Compassion In World Farming’s website and find out ways you can help put an end to illegal and inhumane pig farming.

The Farm Animal Welfare Charity