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Undercover investigation exposes 'extreme cannibalism and cruelty' at Lincolnshire pig farm

AN UNDERCOVER investigation released today revealed “extreme cannibalism and cruelty” at a Lincolnshire pig farm supplying Tesco, Sainsbury’s and other major supermarkets.

Animal Justice Project (AJP) published footage from Somerby Top Farm, a pig-fattening facility owned by Cranswick Country Foods, Britain’s largest pork producer.

Filmed over 10 months between May 2024 and January 2025, it shows harrowing scenes of suffering at the site, approved by standards watchdog Red Tractor.

AJP said pigs endured prolonged attacks, with one piglet mauled for 33 hours and another for 46 before dying without intervention.

The group also documented pigs being beaten, kicked, dragged and struck with boards, paddles and hands, including blows to their faces, eyes and genitals.

Improper killings were recorded, with pigs inadequately stunned and left to die.

Veterinarian Dr Alice Brough, who reviewed the footage, called the violence “deeply concerning,” adding that Cranswick’s claims of high welfare were “utterly incompatible with what we see here.”

AJP director Claire Palmer said: “This is the worst cannibalism we have ever documented.

“Pigs were literally eaten alive… the result of boredom, overcrowding, and despair.

“The public should be appalled, and it’s time for an independent, public inquiry into the UK pig industry.”

Last year, an AJP investigation into Northmoor Farm, a Cranswick breeding unit, revealed piglets being slammed onto concrete.

The company promised a policy review.

A Cranswick spokesman apologised for the “lapse in our standards” and said: “The health and welfare of our pigs is our highest priority.”

The company said it had replaced management teams, recruited five full-time welfare officers and begun installing AI-enabled CCTV across its farms following the Northmoor investigation.

Red Tractor confirmed the farm’s certification had been suspended pending investigation.

Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda and Morrisons condemned the abuse and suspended supplies from the farm.

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