Cruelty Allegations At Harborough District Pig Farm

Pic: Viva!

An investigation has been launched into allegations of animal cruelty and poor welfare at a Leicestershire pig farm.

Secret filming at Flat House Farm in Gilmorton, near Lutterworth, has been released by animal welfare organisation Viva.

The graphic images appear to show starving pigs and animals left for dead.

Lex Rigby, Campaigns Manager at Viva, spoke to Hfm:

Food standards body Red Tractor has terminated the farm’s membership of its scheme.

A spokesperson for Red Tractor told Hfm: “We are appalled by the images in the footage, protecting animal health and welfare is one of our top priorities.

“Red Tractor requires all members to meet every standard, every day and take any breaches of these standards  seriously. Last month we immediately launched an investigation and the farm’s membership of the scheme has since been terminated.”

The RSPCA attended the farm on July 29th, following a report about three dead pigs – A  spokesperson said: “The RSPCA has looked into this and this incident has been referred to Trading Standards to investigate. We are happy to assist them if required.”

Gary Connors from Leicestershire Trading Standards said: “Leicestershire County Council Trading Standards Service were made aware of the concerns and visited the premises to ensure animal health and welfare standards met regulatory requirements.

“Further visits will be undertaken as appropriate to ensure that any specific areas identified as requiring improvement are implemented.”

Hfm has attempted to contact Flat House Farm for comment – A spokesperson told a national newspaper the farm had done nothing wrong.