1,000 signatures reached
To: Minister of Agriculture Martin Heydon
Ban Pig Farming in Ireland
We need a ban on pig farming, and we need it now!
Why is this important?
The National Animal Rights Association and Animal Rebellion Ireland released a new investigation on pig farms, covering 4 farms based in Cavan. The findings were horrific - watch the investigation here:
Sow stalls, farrowing crates, filthy conditions, stereotypical behaviour, no outdoor space, no sunlight, sick and dying pigs. There is no end to the depraved nature of this agricultural sector.
THE FACTS:
There are approximately 250 commercial pig farms in Ireland, and annually an average of 3-3.5 million pigs are slaughtered here every year. Though the use of sow stalls has been banned in some countries, it is permitted in Ireland for up to 4 weeks of pregnancy. Usually about a week before giving birth, sows are put in to farrowing crates, where they are kept then until their piglets are about 4 weeks old. The piglets are then taken away from their mothers, and put in to fattening pens, even though naturally they would still be suckling from their mothers up until about 3 months old. Depending on their weight, they are then slaughtered at about 5-6 months of age, though their natural lifespan would be on average about 20 years. Pigs are stunned using CO2 gas, which aims to render them unconscious. Consumers are led to believe that gassing is a humane way to kill pigs, and that they simply drift off to sleep, however undercover footage triggered national outrage in Australia in 2023 when activists exposed the reality of slaughtering using CO2 gas, with video footage revealing pigs thrashing, writhing, gasping and screaming as they slowly lose consciousness, in contradiction to industry claims of a “humane slaughter”. After this frightening and painful experience, they are then bled out to death.
Sow stalls, farrowing crates, filthy conditions, stereotypical behaviour, no outdoor space, no sunlight, sick and dying pigs. There is no end to the depraved nature of this agricultural sector.
THE FACTS:
There are approximately 250 commercial pig farms in Ireland, and annually an average of 3-3.5 million pigs are slaughtered here every year. Though the use of sow stalls has been banned in some countries, it is permitted in Ireland for up to 4 weeks of pregnancy. Usually about a week before giving birth, sows are put in to farrowing crates, where they are kept then until their piglets are about 4 weeks old. The piglets are then taken away from their mothers, and put in to fattening pens, even though naturally they would still be suckling from their mothers up until about 3 months old. Depending on their weight, they are then slaughtered at about 5-6 months of age, though their natural lifespan would be on average about 20 years. Pigs are stunned using CO2 gas, which aims to render them unconscious. Consumers are led to believe that gassing is a humane way to kill pigs, and that they simply drift off to sleep, however undercover footage triggered national outrage in Australia in 2023 when activists exposed the reality of slaughtering using CO2 gas, with video footage revealing pigs thrashing, writhing, gasping and screaming as they slowly lose consciousness, in contradiction to industry claims of a “humane slaughter”. After this frightening and painful experience, they are then bled out to death.
The majority of pigs in Ireland spend their entire lives indoors, with no comfortable bedding, fresh air or sunlight. Currently, it is a legal requirement that pigs are provided with 8 hours of artificial light a day. “Enrichment”, a form of mental stimulation, is also a legal requirement. According to Teagasc, the most common form of enrichment used in Ireland is simply a metal chain. Although tail docking is banned within the EU, farmers are allowed to do it if they deem it “necessary” – and as a result, it is still commonly done here.
Like fur farming, pig farming can never be legislated into being acceptable. Animals are not ours to use, abuse, kill or eat - it's time to ban pig farming now!
Like fur farming, pig farming can never be legislated into being acceptable. Animals are not ours to use, abuse, kill or eat - it's time to ban pig farming now!
How it will be delivered
We will deliver this petition to the Minister via email.