Farrowing Crates on UK Pig Farms
In collaboration with:
In December 2019, Tracks investigated the use of farrowing crates to confine sows in UK pig farms for Compassion In World Farming (CIWF).
The restrictive farrowing crates our investigators witnessed are typical of systems in use across the UK and in most EU countries. These cages are used to confine sows for up to five weeks at a time – from before they give birth until their piglets are taken away. It’s hard to comprehend. Mothers forced to nurse their young through bars, unable to turn around. Confined in cages for weeks on end, until their piglets are taken away.
A film narrated by Dragons’ Den entrepreneur, Deborah Meaden, presents the findings of our investigation. Watch it here. The conditions you see in this film are totally legal in the UK today and represent the miserable reality endured by over 250,000 British pigs every year. Read our investigator’s diary here.
Tracks Investigations has undertaken over 295 investigative film projects supporting over 40 conservation, environmental and animal protection NGOs since its inception in 2006. Learn more about how you can work with us here. To support our investigative work for animals, click here.