Cranswick has expressed its profound dismay following the release of shocking undercover footage that revealed severe breaches of animal welfare standards at one of its Lincolnshire farms. The disturbing images, which surfaced through an exposé conducted by Animal Justice Project, depict newborn piglets being violently swung by their legs and slammed onto concrete surfaces. Further evidence captured in the footage showed routine mutilations, botched killings, and a significant level of neglect at Northmoor Farm.
The fallout was immediate and severe, with Cranswick's share price plummeting by approximately £200 million as major UK supermarkets, including Tesco and Morrisons, promptly suspended their supply contracts with the farm. The company insisted that the practices shown in the video do not reflect its overall commitment to animal welfare and the operational standards it demands. Crucially, these incidents occurred shortly after Cranswick had acquired Elsham Linc, the firm responsible for the management of Northmoor Farm.
In the wake of this incident, Cranswick stated it had launched a comprehensive internal investigation. A spokesperson reiterated the company's emphasis on animal welfare, highlighting a long-standing commitment to improving standards through investments in new systems such as flexible farrowing for pigs and reduced stocking densities for chickens. Nevertheless, the company acknowledged the distressing nature of the footage, noting that it highlighted unacceptable handling practices within the farming operation. “The welfare of the animals we rear is of the utmost importance,” the representative asserted, as they outlined the immediate suspension of all staff involved and the initiation of disciplinary processes.
The legal ramifications of such practices are substantial. Barrister Ayesha Smart has filed a formal complaint with Trading Standards, citing violations of the Welfare of Animals at the Time of Killing (England) Regulations 2015, alongside breaches of consumer law. “The use of blunt force trauma to kill piglets is banned,” Smart stated, adding that the footage indicates a "routinely used" and unlawful practice that demands urgent attention.
Animal welfare concerns surrounding Cranswick are not isolated incidents; similar allegations have emerged from other facilities associated with the company. For instance, an undercover investigation at Bickmarsh Hall, a supplier to Cranswick, revealed pigs living in filthy conditions and suffering from injuries, leading to calls for improved industry standards. These findings prompted Red Tractor, the UK’s leading farm assurance scheme, to conduct inspections, which, despite concluding the farm met welfare standards, highlighted the need for enhanced compliance and scrutiny.
The recent footage and its repercussions underscore a troubling reality in the meat processing industry, where lapses in animal welfare standards can have widespread implications not only for the animals but also for the businesses involved. With public scrutiny on the rise, it remains to be seen how Cranswick and other companies in the sector will adapt and implement more rigorous welfare standards, both to restore consumer trust and to fulfil their ethical obligations.
As investigations continue and companies grapple with their moral and legal responsibilities, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the scrutiny facing the livestock industry and the urgent need for ongoing reform in animal care practices.
Reference Map
- Paragraphs 1-5
- Paragraphs 2-5
- Paragraphs 5
- Paragraphs 4-6
- Paragraphs 4-6
- Paragraphs 4-6
- Paragraphs 4-6
Source: Noah Wire Services