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BC  

Shocking scene at pig farm

Contributed Peta

Undercover images from an Abbotsford pig farm are raising concerns about treatment of the animals.

Video alleged to have been taken at Excelsior Hog Farm in February and March shows dead piglets and a larger pig’s corpse in an advanced state of decomposition. Others have apparent growths, have trouble standing and are seen lying listlessly on the floor.

Dan Paden with animal activist group PETA, told CTV News the video was provided anonymously earlier this month.

“We saw all kinds of untreated injuries, including bleeding sores ... crippled pigs unable to even stand," a man involved in the undercover operation told CTV. “These animals are suffering in extreme ways and the public needs to know."

Marcie Moriarty with the BC SPCA said the footage is “challenging to watch.”

“That absolutely did not demonstrate anything near a best practice and in fact, some of shots could potentially reflect a violation of the law,” she said.

Chad Goertzen, a director with the BC Pork Producers Association, said the organization is sending a vet to the farm to conduct an audit.

“I think it’s important to know when people see this footage this isn’t all completely normal on most farms,” he told CTV. 

“Nobody wants to see dead, injured, or sick pigs in any barns. We want to make sure these pigs are being cared for properly,” he said.

– with files from CTV Vancouver



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