Animal rights groups give DAFM 'files' on alleged welfare issues on pig farms
The National Animal Rights Association and Animal Rebellion Ireland have "handed in" files to the Department of Agriculture, Food the the Marine (DAFM) which they claim contain evidence of "systematic failures" in the pig industry.
According to the animal rights group they carried out a second investigation of pig farms in Ireland which was specifically focused on four pig farms in Co. Cavan.
The groups have released video footage of this investigation which they claim is "undeniable proof that there are systematic failures in the industry".
Laura Broxson, spokesperson for the National Animal Rights Association, said: “Like our previous investigation, we witnessed sick, injured and dying pigs living in absolute squalor.
"Even if these farms had any sense of hygiene, the pigs are still kept indoors, in sow stalls, farrowing crates and pens. It is completely unacceptable to treat any animal like this.”
Broxson also claimed that while government ministers are currently promoting Ireland and Irish interests and values across the world as part of the St. Patrick's Day Programme for 2025 there are "extreme failures when it comes to even the most basic animal welfare requirements" at home.
According to the National Animal Rights Association and Animal Rebellion Ireland during their latest investigation they reported their findings to DAFM and have also "handed in all our files" to the department in relation to their investigation.
Broxson said that following a previous investigation by the animal rights groups last year, DAFM had stated that it had "conducted [its] own investigation".
She said the department has "yet to reveal the details of that".
Meanwhile Broxson has also detailed that the People Before Profit-Solidarity TD, Paul Murphy, plans to put forward a bill "which seeks to eliminate some of the cruelest aspects of pig farming".
She added: "Over the past year we have distributed over 10,000 leaflets around Ireland, urging the public to support a ban on pig farming, and we are delighted with the huge level of positive interactions and support we have had.
"We hope our new investigation will cement our efforts and inspire even more people to support the campaign and lobby their TDs for change."
