Meat producer launches review after pig abuse claims at farm

CRANSWICK 'INSTIGATING NEW, FULLY INDEPENDENT VETERINARIAN REVIEW'

- By MARK PAGE [e-mail] @markwpage

A HULL-based meat producer has launched an independent review into its animal welfare practices and livestock management after disturbing images emerged of alleged mistreatment at one of its farms.

Cranswick, which is the UK's largest pork provider, halted operations at Northmoor Farm, near Market Rasen, Lincolnshire, after undercover footage surfaced last week, showing workers allegedly abusing pigs.

The images appear to show workers handling piglets by their back legs and forcefully smashing them onto the ground, employing a prohibited killing technique known as "piglet thumping".