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Comments
PurryPaws December 1, 2010 at 4:09 p.m.
They are so cute some people just think ohh it's a pig ohh it's a hamburger. How could you live with yourself killing a piggy?
i'm not a veggie as my body is still growing and i still need all the nutrients are stuff to make sure i keep growing but when i am older! Piggies! OINK oink!
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maisiemouse13 November 14, 2009 at 5:20 p.m.
i myself am absolutley obsessed with pigs i used to eat them but not any more. i also own a buitifull, intelligant, 1 yr old ginger and black piglet called ruby. she is so cute!! i love her so so so so so so so so so so much! pigs are the most inportant things i my life!!! PEOPLE CANT LIVE WITHOUT THE PRESENCE OF PIGS SO DONT DONT DONT EAT THEM THE NEXT TIME YOU EAT A BACON BAP THEN GO ON GOOGLE IMAGES AND TYPE IN TETLY THE TEA PIGLET AND YOU WILL KNOW WHAT I MEAN!!! XX
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Jimmy-Jen August 25, 2009 at 3:32 p.m.
Ok No.
Im Sorry We are not all the same.
But God didn't intend us to kill animals did he?
Ask that to your selves.
RE: Mags53
What do you mean read the bible?
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Mags53 August 11, 2009 at 10:10 p.m.
Jimmy-Jen - read your bible!
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Jimmy-Jen August 11, 2009 at 8:03 p.m.
Listen to me please.
Pigs are animals.
Animals are Gods Creations.
Do you think God intended that humans will kill them for food? No.
Then why do we? Think. Speak. Do.
Protest against it. No animal should have cruelty done to it.
Pleaase People!
Make a life for pigs out there better.
Give them a chance to live.
Everyone deserved a chance.
Everyone, no matter how big or small, animal or human, dumb or intellegint, eveyone is the same.
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VeganxChick May 21, 2009 at 8:53 p.m.
Pigs are no different to your typical pet cat or dog. These wonderful creatures have feelings, they feel pain, they look after their young. They want to live their lives! Stop eating them! Go vegan!
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daveb May 12, 2009 at 11:41 a.m.
Yes - if pig meat and chicken meat were labelled as clearly as eggs are, consumers would make the same choice for higher welfare.
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givepigspace April 28, 2009 at 3:09 p.m.
When I visit supermarkets there is still pigmeat on sale from Holland and Denmark and other EU countries.
This pigmeat has been shown to be produced using sow stalls (where sows are caged for their entire pregnancy), aswell as using farrowing crates.
This is a sorrowful way of farming pigs and is illegal in the UK.
Yet pigmeat produced using this system of pig farming is on sale in the local supermarkets, and customers who don't think or care about how their meat was produced, and those who expect the farming system to provide decent regulations against causing suffering to farmed pigs,can buy this pigmeat at a cheaper price than UK produced pigmeat; where sow stalls have been banned.
Have supermarket leaders no standards regarding upholding farm animal welfare?
It should not be left up to customers with little understanding of pig farming ,to determine the extent of high welfare practices. Especially when the cruelly produced pigmeat is cheaper!
Welfare regulations and standards imposed upon pig farming in the UK, must extend to retailers such as supermarkets,so they are forbidden from selling pigmeat produced under welfare conditions that are illegal in the UK.
Sounds like common sense to me.
Keep looking at those labels for now;
and demand changes to arrest cruel farming
practices.
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worldtuner April 27, 2009 at 5:15 p.m.
PS: why don't we label politicians and hang them upside down for a few weeks along with the supermarket owners
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worldtuner April 27, 2009 at 5:13 p.m.
OK lets get this cleared up, all animals in our World have the right to respect, to be free. All animals have a purpose in life and that's not to be eaten to feed the greed of the human race, now the pig is a hard working machine, designed to farrow and cultivate naturally and it's no more happier to do so all day long, not to be cut to piece and stuck on Sain***** shelf so some highly paid chef can convince the masses that it's good to eat, I don't give a hoot for Jamie Oliver, his food or his cooking life style and believe he doesn't have the right commitment to face this campaign or any other, should you want to hi-light this then find someone who understands the life of animals, who doesn't eat them and doesn't get paid to support a campaign
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sugarbouche April 22, 2009 at 11:51 p.m.
It is time for us human beings to realize that we share this world with other living creatures all of whom are directly or indirectly beneficial to us and are instrumental in sustaining life on this planet. As partners in life they deserve our respect and care especially in those situations were we hold a custodial position. So give them the validity and dignity that is their birthright...
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Jess_loves_animals April 22, 2009 at 5:49 p.m.
Thankyou RSPCA for starting up this campaign, i think clearer labeling will tell people the truth about what they're buying and make them think twice. I think all pigs should be free range so that they can live happy, healthy lives.
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Mags53 April 21, 2009 at 7:47 p.m.
VeganxChick - I don't think that any reasonable person would ever think that it is ok to farm intensively and in the factory way - and to deprive any living thing of food and water is so dreadful that I would willingly deal with those responsible (non-violent though I am) but, you think that just because someone eats meat that they agree with inflicting the most inhumane treatment on any animal anywhere - and that is simply not true. There is in this, as in most things - a middle ground. Now I think that the middle ground is maybe ok but would much rather see something far to the side of the animals welfare than the middle ground. And, it is possible and it has been done by the human race for thousands of years before intensive farming was invented, not that long ago in the life of this earth.
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Hannah67 April 21, 2009 at 5:21 p.m.
ArcheyTheGreat - I'm not sure which method of pig farming is actually cheaper, personally I would have thought that free range pig farming is more expensive, which is why it results in more expensive meat. I think that it might be difficult for an intensive pig farmer to find land to turn his farm into freerange, which might be preventing more free range farms from existing.
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ArcheyTheGreat April 21, 2009 at 3:04 p.m.
It's awfull how some people treat pergenant sows nowadays, sticking them in cages that are way too small. I don't understand why they do it because it's cheaper to have an outside,spacious pig farm.
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VeganxChick April 20, 2009 at 9:21 p.m.
R.E Mags53
I do not intend this to cause offence, but you said 'my husband died young and in great pain but he would always have said that he was glad to have lived even if his death was not pleasant and very untimely.'
So you think it is ok for a pig to have lived even if the poor creature spent his entire live in pain?
Pigs deserve alot more then then the way they get treated by the vile human race. Unless you give up eating animal body parts, you can never understand or even begin to imagine the way these intelligent creatures get treated.
In a letter a got from PETA about six months ago which I should add upset me a great deal, it showed some pigs on a farm in America who were treated abismally. The poor pigs were not given food or water! It showed one pig who had blue spray paint in her face, which some 'brave' indivudual had done! The pregnant sows were in a terrible state.
When I read things like this, I dispear of the human race, I really do. I am not religious, however on behalf of all these poor animals from every continent of the world, I hope the vile individuals who inflict pain on all these defenceless animals will go to hell when they die.
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ArcheyTheGreat April 20, 2009 at 6:34 p.m.
I don't understand why the government haven't already made it illigal to keep pigs in intensive areas. It's not like you would do that too a human would you? Humans and animals should have equal rights.
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ArcheyTheGreat April 20, 2009 at 6:02 p.m.
It's natural to eat meat and I think that if you don't thats good but unfortunately most people do.But I agree that the animals should have a long and happy free life before being killed.
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Mags53 April 19, 2009 at 11:39 p.m.
VeganxChick - yes, I know that at the end the poor pig is killed, but at least it has lived. If I didn't want to eat it it would never have been born and lived. So long as it is treated kindly and is killed humanely it is better to have lived. And, I know that pigs are highly intelligent, they can be house trained, etc. - they may not be as trainable as a dog but some people do keep them as pets. BUT, I will always believe that it is better to have lived, my husband died young and in great pain but he would always have said that he was glad to have lived even if his death was not pleasant and very untimely.
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Sweets April 16, 2009 at 6:49 p.m.
VeganxChick, I can see that you feel very passionate about animal welfare, but I really think you need to re-assess how to best achieve your beliefs. The only way to improve animal welfare is by gaining the support of people, whether the general public support or by those who are empowered to improve the lives of animals. Your extreme views only serve to put people off. No one wants to listen to an extremist fanatic irrespective of whether the cause is right or not. As far as I can see, your views are of a minority, the only way change can be achieved is by gaining the support of the majority, or influencing the way they think.
I personally commend ALL efforts, however small, to improve the lives of animals, their treatment, their environment,etc and I think that the RSPCA's campaign for better labelling will make a difference to pig welware.
Clearer labelling will inform people what is best to buy according to their concience that way people will have an INFORMED CHOICE. If people choose not to buy products that have animal welfare in mind, then it's up to them, but I think most people once they have been made aware of the cruelity inflicted on some ill-treated animals will opt for the welfare choice.
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Hannah67 April 16, 2009 at 5:44 p.m.
To VeganxChick - Firstly I think you are wrong to "have a go" at Mags53 for consuming meat. Like I've mentioned before, we are omnivores, so can chose whether we want a diet of meat, vegetables or both. Secondly, rather than critising, you should be aplauding him for chosing the right meat (free range, british meat - and checking lables etc). This is something that most people do not do, whether its because they can't afford a better quality meat, lack of education or because they simply don't care. I am a vegetarian, (this is because I find meat repulsive to be honest - also I was brought up vegetarian so have never really eaten it). I am well educated enough though (I'm not saying you aren't) to realise that people make their own choices about what they want to eat. I also believe though that if they chose to eat meat that should be high quality meat. Unfortunatly you can't make the 6 billion or so people in this world become vegan. The fact is people will always eat meat, so that fact is what we have to work with - this is why all that can be done is make animal welfare the best it can possibly be. People like Mags53 are definatly setting a good example, and so are you by being vegan.
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VeganxChick April 15, 2009 at 8:27 p.m.
'I especially will not buy Danish bacon as they do not follow the same rules about using
pig-crates as British farmers do'
At the end of the day 'Mags53' the poor pig is killed! Whatever way you look at it. British farmers are as bad as all the rest. And please! stop referring to a pig as 'bacon'. Pigs are highly intelligent creatures and it appals me the way the so called human race treat them!
The poor sows are put in gestation crates. Only vile human beings could create such a thing. Once the sows have had their piglets they are not able to care for them because of the crates are barely able to move.
Eating animals is wrong! By buying 'meat' you are contributing to the endless cruelty these poor creatures suffer in factory farms etc. The most acceptable way of life is to follow a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle.
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Mags53 April 14, 2009 at 8:21 p.m.
If I can I buy free-range but I only ever now buy British reared pork and bacon products, I especially will not buy Danish bacon as they do not follow the same rules about using pig-crates as British farmers do. We, like pigs themselves, are Omnivores, we can manage without meat BUT we manage better with unless we are willing or able to really learn about nutrician.
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yazizazy April 3, 2009 at 6:10 p.m.
I think it's great that the RSPCA are doing this campaign. Its' so hard to think that their lives are treated as inferior- we have to eat to live, but the way we treat our food MUST still be humane! If a fox catches an animal it doesn't lock it away and abuse it?! It just carries out nature's life processes- so why are humans so different??! Thanks RSPCA!
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sw179518 April 2, 2009 at 1:34 p.m.
Farm animals deserve as much a right as humans to goood living conditions, even if they will be slaughtered. Its not fair to them. We wouldnt like it if we were treated like many farm animals are, so why should they be??
I think its great the RSPCA is doing this campaign on pigs, they deserve so much more.
GO RSPCA!
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parker March 31, 2009 at 3:13 p.m.
I am glad that the RSPCA is starting to get better living conditions for farm animals that are there to be eaten. To keep in top notch condition you really need to eat meat, if I could become vegetarian I would because I am a great animal lover, I think that if farmers are going to slaughter their stock they should atleast give them a great living environment so that they aren't living an awful life then being slaughtered it is just not fair in my eyes.
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x_Gemma_x March 28, 2009 at 11 p.m.
on one hand yes it would, and any difference towards pig welfare is a good difference, but on the other hand people dont care, as long as its cheap they dont care where it comes from or what happens to the animals that suffer for their food. but i think there should definately be better labelling!!
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twitchyme March 28, 2009 at 1:40 p.m.
l have read other comments and would like to say that maybe in an ideal world people would choose not to eat animals, but there would be city farms, safari parks, etc, where farm animals would still be kept, as are other animals that are no longer eaten. Animals will continue to eat each other, prey predator, carnivors who need meat to exist,we ourselves were-are carnivores, so that will always influence people that it is natural to eat meat. So l dont think we can think of people who eat meat as being evil, or dont care about animals etc, in the same way you cannot say every woman who wore a fur coat in the 40s-50s were evil, many are now animal supporters,carers, conservationists, Doris Day for one has given the last 40yrs of her life to caring for animals, shunning celeb lifestyle, yet wore fur coats in the 50s often, sure she now regrets it, as do others,
changing times, more knowledge and awareness, different ideals.
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twitchyme March 28, 2009 at 1:09 p.m.
l think the clearer labelling will make people more aware, as with free range eggs, which has become a good success, for pigs some will go for the least cruel way of housing pigs, some will not, but even if a few and it grows its good. l think it also good that there are now a few chefs, j.o, being one, who will speak up for farm animals being kept in decent conditions. l personally have never had veal or pate fois, vile practise, gave up lamb,pork and beef years ago, but do eat a little chicken and tuna, but mainly use quorn which is a brilliant alernative, and makes a good shepherds pie, bolognese, rissotto, curry, or plain mince,lots of stock, toms,onions and garlick tastes just as good, but cleaner, and no animal has had to suffer and die.
But for those that wish to eat meat, majority, the least we can do is keep animals in decent living conditions with a humane end at a reasonably good age, labelling to confirm it.
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gazza123 March 27, 2009 at 7:43 p.m.
First of all, THANK YOU RSPCA! You are bringing attention towards one of the cruelest industries in the world - the pig farming industry. THe vast majority of it - especially in Europe -is disgusting. Thankfully there are many good organic/free-range/good welfare farms in the UK. Sainsbury's "SO Organic Chipolatas" are Organic Certification 5 which I believe is good.
My parents tend to buy organic/free-range pork which I'm very thankful for. However, there are so many people out there who just don't know the facts about factory-farmed pigs. Hopefully this campaign will increase the public's awareness.
Thank you
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actionalizzie March 27, 2009 at 5:36 p.m.
Most people will see and recognize the labeling but some will ignore. It depends on different peoples opinions.
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Elena73 March 23, 2009 at 3:24 p.m.
Hi everyone,
I am a final-year veterinary medicine student in Italy and I was appalled this month to find out that during our rotating internships we are supposed to carry out piglet castrations without anaesthesia! I tried to persuade my colleagues not to agree to this, but apparently nobody cared, and mind you, we are all future vets!
Unfortunately for the piglets, with the commendable exceptions of Norway and Switzerland, castration under 1 week of age is still permitted (and routinely performed) without anaesthesia, along with tooth clipping and tail docking. New legislation is on its way, but it will take time, similarly to what happened with the abolition of caged commercial layers (hens). In the meantime, I do believe that promoting better labelling and most of all informing the general public is the way to go. Comsumers are wiser than what the media tend to picture them! I also think that farm vets should play a more pivotal role in promoting farm animal welfare, but most of the times there are financial contraints (e.g. you lose your client if you try to promote welfare or criticise farm practices) so we basically close our eyes.
RSPCA, keep up the good work, for piglets and all other abused animals out there!!!
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perrycourtney March 19, 2009 at 9:27 p.m.
Hello - never done a blog thing before - BUT - 15 years ago I was getting ready for work one morning and saw a report on Breakfast News about how pig farmers were saving themselves vet bills by pulling out piglets teeth and toes without anaesthetic. I've never eaten any pork, or anything made with pork fat or by-products since because I don't feel I can trust the labelling. Does anyone have any advice? Can they be really be trusted? I miss pate and especially sausages, but I will not eat them until I know FOR SURE they weren't tortured. Thanks in advance for anyone who has the time to advise!
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VeganxChick March 18, 2009 at 11:37 p.m.
Animalsaver I completly agree with you.
Not eating meat is the way to go. In time more and more people will realise this for themselves. But in the meantime question people about it. More often then not people feel uneasy when you talk about 'meat' as they put it out of their mind that it is part of an animal. Someone I know has stopped eating meat as I pointed out on various occasions how wrong it is. Animals have feelings and the way their get treated by the majority is disgusting.
As for children, show them where their bacon, sausage or pork came from.
The sausage for example is the intestines. The outside of the sausage is the intestine itself. The inside is made of intestine. meat and other scraps!
And people achually eat this!
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Animalsaver February 28, 2009 at 4:28 p.m.
Ok, well Im vegitarion, not because i dont like the taste or anything. It was when I saw a programme when I was younger on how Mcdonalds Meat comes from. We always buy free range, organic eggs and hopefully in the next month we will be getting four or five chickens for our garden were they can roam around and get individual attention. I myself have decided to dedicate my life to save animals like the orangutang and chimps etc. When people say "If we diddnt eat pigs they wouldnt have a use so we wouldnt need them" well they make VERY good pets to roam around your garden(if its big enough) and dont forget pigs are extreamly intelligent. I think that clearer labeling WILL help because children these days dont know where sausage comes from they think it comes from the shelf or grows on trees so a picture of a pig and clear details will help. I understand some people choose to eat meat but I think ALL meat should be free range and labeled clearly.
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tiziano February 19, 2009 at 7:53 p.m.
Hi, I'd just like to say how nice it was to hear a farmer speak of the love he has for his animals! :)
We don't often hear the farmer's side, and quite often make harsh judgements against them!It was a pleasure to hear from one that loves his animals and doesn't look on them as merely as a commodity! I have to agree with everything he said, most importantly about educating people! Not only the consumer or the farmer, but All people who have the responsibility of caring for Any animals!
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Sophie. February 18, 2009 at 4:01 p.m.
Yeah -- i think that clearer labelling would help, and also maybe brighter, more eyecatching labels would get the point accross more?
Anywho, i think it's great so many people are trying to help raise awareness for problems like these. Really well done people ;]
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borisnigel12 February 18, 2009 at 12:30 p.m.
Hi -- Being a Farmers [organic] Daughter and a very caring animal lover myself there has too be tighter rules on all sides of their welfare!!
I have been brought up to respect and care for animals - TLC goes a very long way with them. BUT,not all owners have the resorces , money or patience with their pets/livestock that they should have. There has to be a 'learning curve' for all owners of animals, be they farmers or pet owners-- it is all about the understanding , welfare, needs of these animals that can make a great deal differance to their lives. We can never stop people from eating 'meat'- wearing Leather etc etc etc.
THIS IS A FACT!! But,-- DO NOT BE CRUEL WHATSOEVER TO YOUR ANIMALS! How would you feel in their position- My family has been Farmers for generations and well respected for very good treatment to their animals [even on the way too the S/H. ] Myself, Love my Bengals, and an adopted feral cat- We could all work together over this very 'tender' subject. Pigs
were a great favourite of my mothers[ had names for each] most loving creatures you my find[ saddlebacks /Whites/ G.Old Spot/-
As with our horses, chickens, waterfowl they were treated the same with TLC.
The World would not be the same without our Wonderful animals -- ITS IS humans that are too blame -'WE' should learn more about Their CARE -
We need animals more than they need us! [sorry to babble but had to say my bit in animal support]xx
Thank You
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Shrike_xX February 17, 2009 at 11:52 a.m.
People eat meat and the truth is thousands of animals will go through the hell they do until the farming industry collapses. Instead, why don't we work with farmers who look after their animals, why don't we campaign to improve the regulations of keeping animals so that all farms standards improve and why don't you get off my back, just because I don't suck soya cubes doesn't mean I don't care. I'm looking at realistic solutions that actually stand a chance of working. Maybe you could come up with an improved abbatoir system!
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VeganxChick February 16, 2009 at 10:17 p.m.
'what eat type of meat has gone through'
Thats nice, that 'meat' you refer to is part of an animal.
'people should be able to win tickets to see a free range farm and then see an intensely farmed farm'
How about winning 'tickets' to an abotoir? but then you would have to see your 'meat' die!
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Shrike_xX February 16, 2009 at 5:55 p.m.
It is ok to kill animals in order to eat, especially if all of the animal goes to good use. But at the moment it is very unacceptable to raise the animals in the way they are being bred to make that meat. And unfortunately I'm not sure what the answer is, with everyone so poor now and nearly everyone feeding off the government, frankly the last thing on anyone's mind is the welfare of animals! :( It would be wonderful to have every pig in Britain rolling in mud and living a lovely life, but the truth is that costs money and it's going to take a long time before we are seeing this sort of thing.
It would be great to see clearer labelling though, infact meat should have like a leaflet with it describing what eat type of meat has gone through before arriving at sainsburys or tescos etc. And even, people should be able to win tickets to see a free range farm and then see an intensely farmed farm....?
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VeganxChick February 14, 2009 at 10:50 p.m.
There is nothing 'humane' about killing a pig. These are wonderful creatures, who have a higher intelligence then a dog.
The majority of breeding sows are confined in gestation crates for the majority of their pregancy which is about 4 months. The crates are only slightly larger then the animal. As a result of the intensive confinement, crated sows suffer a number of welfare problems, including poor hygiene, risk of urinary infections, weakened bones, overgrown hooves, poor social interaction and lameness. And to add insult to injury the pigs end their miserable lives in an abotoir!
It is disgraceful! pigs, as with any other animal should not be treated in such an appalling way! pigs are friends, not food!
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ZDrache February 12, 2009 at 7:36 p.m.
It's not so much the labelling that will improve welfare for pigs than people's attitudes. We need to be aware that just because animals aren't as advanced as humans, they still feel pain and they deserve an amount of respect.
That said, the labelling would be a start. Maybe detailed descriptions about the conditions animals are kept in and slaughter methods should also be put on the packaging? Or better yet, outlaw farming methods that include cramming animals up together/in too-small cages.
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Sue February 12, 2009 at 11:41 a.m.
Neil4072 - I agree. Whilst having reduced my meat consumption drastically over the years, a trend I hope to continue, I do still eat some meat, and it matters to me that if I am going to eat meat, the animal who died for this purpose was both humanely reared during its lifetime, and as far as is possible was humanely slaughtered (though this is possibly a contradiction in terms). This is not an argument about vegetarianism, and I doubt that I will ever successfully eliminate meat from my diet, but I do eat meat as sparingly as possible these days, turning instead to fish, cheese and eggs as alternatives. If there were welfare labels on meat in the supermarket, I would certainly buy this meat rather than any cheaper alternative. I am pleased that the major supermarkets are now getting their act together. I expect it will take a bit of time, but I will be keeping my eyes open on future shopping expeditions.
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neil4072 February 10, 2009 at 9:27 a.m.
The title of this post is clear; we are talking about labelling here, not Vegetarianism. For those who do eat meat, labelling is very important indeed. I only want to buy meat that comes from animals who have at least been treated decently and this is not always easy. Morissons, for instance, sell very little RSPCA standard bacon; most is Danish or Dutch and in trying to find the RSPCA labelled bacon the words "needle" and "haystack" came frequently to mind. The picture in Tescos is sadly similar. We really do need simple and clear labelling if we are to make informed decisions.
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porkies February 8, 2009 at 7:41 p.m.
Before people decide that buying British pork is better, they should check out the following web page: http://www.viva.org.uk/campaigns/pigs/valentines_doa.htm
No-one is asking everyone to become vegetarian or vegan but it is an alternative that people might like to consider rather than assuming because of Jamie Oliver's programme that buying British pig meat means they can eat British bacon and pork with a clear conscience.
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Naturegirl February 7, 2009 at 2:24 p.m.
I admit that I eat meat BUT I still love every animal even pigs. I'm not saying that I will become a vegitarian but I think that they should do free range Pigs.
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givepigspace February 6, 2009 at 12:13 a.m.
Pig farmers say that they need to cage a sow in a farrowing crate to prevent the sow lying on any of her piglets.
Have any considered using a crate that the sow can walk in and out of, by use of
electronically activated or swing doors perhaps.A small step could prevent the piglets from escaping the creche area.
However ,given enough bedding material,and enough space, she will build a nest. Low bars around the bedding area,help piglets to escape the sow, if there is any danger of being laid upon.
Soft matting for the flooring would help improve both piglet and sow health and comfort.
Caging a sow for over 3 weeks,in a farrowing crate, such that she can't turn around or get out, whilst nursing her offsping, is a serious welfare issue.
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kimber123 February 5, 2009 at 3:16 p.m.
I'm soo glad the rspca is rooting for pigs i love pigs i hate the fact that i have to eat meat makes me feel sick i agree with veganxchick there should be more vegetarians in the world i wish there was a way but unfortunatly its never going to happen hello to everbody
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helen87 February 5, 2009 at 3:17 a.m.
It is not reasonable to suggest that everyone should become vegetarian. It's never, ever, ever going to happen. Don't get me wrong - I am definitely in favour of raising standards of welfare for pigs - but no way is anyone going to stop me eating sausages! They are delicious! You are never going to convince more than a tiny minority of people to stop eating meat. The RSPCA is right to be realistic, to launch this reasonable campaign and leave extremist vegan campaigns to less well respected organisations like PETA.
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m4rkym February 5, 2009 at 1:51 a.m.
The campaign to make a pigs life nice is really good and I am not critical of that.
BUT... Saying to an animal, here is a cushion to sit on before I kill you and eat you is still wrong!
The simple answer is not better food labelling nor "freedom food", it is STOP EATING THEM!!!!!!!
Come on! PROTECTION!!!!! Not comfort.
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smiley_becks February 4, 2009 at 8:43 a.m.
The best way to ensure you are getting good quality British pork/meat is to try and make sure you buy meat from your local butcher. Your local butcher will usually be able to tell you about the history of the meat from field to slaughter.
I agree with the RSPCA campaign to make labelling clearer on pork products, we all understand chicken labelling but not pork. I believe this will help consumers to make an informed decisions about what they eat. Find out exactly where your meat comes from!
I disagree however with some of VeganxChick's comments as I believe she is using this blog to voice racist and offensive comments e.g. 'this warped religon treats animals' refering to Muslims. You can disagree with Halal slaughter methods but do not have to call Islam a 'warped religion' and refering to Muslims as 'vile religious nut jobs' does help or add to this discussion.
RSPCA keep up the campaign to keep people informed!
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harmfr33farming February 2, 2009 at 7:42 p.m.
I couldn't even watch Jamie's programme because I know it would have upset me too much, I have a good idea what the programme involved and Im already a vegetarian. I dont think that clearer labelling will solve the problem but I do feel it is a step in the right direction. With any big issue comes a big challenge but the hard work put in by the RSPCA, other activist organisations, people with a platform to be heard like Jamie Oliver and of course, people who care, like us, will all pay off eventually.
The past few years of campaigning for the better welfare of chickens may not have solved the problem (yet) but it has certainly improved the conditions for thousands of chickens all over the UK and Im sure it has increased the number of vegatarians.
I think targeting the farmers who are rearing these animals is key. When they were children and they decided they wanted to be farmers, did they want to go into farming to treat animals badly? Seeing and hearing them in pain, having no pride in the meat they sold? Probably not! Its society, money and competition that has led them to this. They need the money so they use the cheapest farming methods possible - its not right but its just another sad outcome of the world we live in!
What would Darwin think!
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lottie95 February 2, 2009 at 5:28 p.m.
I think yes. I watched 'Jamie Oliver's Save our Bacon' programme on chanel 4. I was really badly affected by it. The cruelty and poor conditions pigs and other animals go through is unjust. Why should this happen? It shouldn't.
The labelling would make it clearer to customers and they will know clearly what they are buying. I had no idea most meat was imported and when I saw the programme I actully cried!
Pigs need nicer conditions and I do believe a petition should be started in order to stop meat from neglected animals in denmark, germany etc... entering the UK.
Also to stop the conditions the animals live in. Free range, high quality British meat all the way...the price maybe a little bit more, but for the animals sake. It will also help the British farming industry which is declining due to imported products.
Morrisons, Asda, Sainsbury's, Tesco, Sommerfield....Respect the animals and only sell British meat.
Gordon Brown, persuade the EU to change the meat regulations before 2013-now!!! Also make all animals free-range and bring in anestetic for them too.
RSPCA, continue doing the great work you do. Try and bring pigs the rights they deserve.
If all the above is done, difference will be made and animals will live happily worldwide. Thank-you for reading this, it is something I feel strogly about. :)
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luke February 2, 2009 at 2:20 p.m.
i have just been reading the comments and the frank view i have that which ever way you look at it the animal always suffer and the comment that was said about the extremists that cant see the fuller picture that is not correct you are looking at it from a society we live in point of view , and who says thats right fact is that we overbreed animals change there genetics and torture thm we are highest on the food chain bu that does not mean factory farm ist not natural its disgusting and really do any farmers treat there animals well cause the only intrest they have is money they get from animals, so we are not extremist and dont think mmeat aters see the full pic as they dont like to see the hiden pain and torture , if manking were wiped out the world would be such better place we have wrecked the earth.
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chopper7uk February 2, 2009 at 12:08 p.m.
The problem (root problem) is that mankind is still very young in the evolution process and therefore still feeling instincts of survival to "Kill it,Eat it,Wear it" and i`m afraid it will take decades(maybe 100`s-1000`s)before we lose that primitive instinct.However with blogs/discussions/campaigns such as this maybe we can all come on board and bring that evolutionary process forward a few millenia,Keep up the good work,pass it on,get as many of your relatives/friends involved(without ramming it down there throat..pun?).I did read an article the other day that was a real eye-opener as to "Why humans are not natural meateaters" i`ll see if i can find it and pass it on another time,it certainly made me think,and i`m an avid lover of meat of anykind (primitive)but i will change my ways now.
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PixiBunni February 2, 2009 at 5:02 a.m.
I understand the natural cycle of man eating those lower on the food chain, but it states in the bible that meat should be eaten on holidays not every day. If we complain about how many animals there are it's our fault for breeding them for meat to begin with. I'm not a vegetarian, or a vegan, and because of the death rates compared to adoption rates of PETA I don't believe in them either. What I believe in is eating meat when neccassary and treating each animal we eat with respect.
However, due to attachments, I don't believe man should eat dogs/wolves, horses, cats and rabbits (even wild) I can't seperate them from the domesticated pets that we have made them into. I am completly against eating rabbit meat and using fur.
I hate the fur industry, though I do understand that it is better to follow the ways of the Native Americans by using every single part of the animal we kill to eat so that nothing is waisted. But killing an animal for one slective reason is disrespectful and a waste.
But back to the subject, people need to be aware of where their meat comes from, just like where their fruit/veg is coming from. I wonder if people knew if a fruit was localy grown would they buy it over a one that was imported? I know that I would buy whatever was cheaper as I'm not exactly able to spend money as I wish. But when it comes to meat I always like to know where it's come from. I ask the butchers most of the time, or check for any sign on the packaging in supermarkets. When it comes to eggs I always try and buy the non caged hens as I am against caged hens, and have stopped my fiance from going to KFC because of it.
I love to cook, and I always say a prayer before cooking. No I'm not very religous, but I do have certain belief's, one of which is that there is a spirit/all being, which I like to refer to as our mother (just simply because thats what I'm comfortable with, and only a woman can naturally give birth unless God is asexual but lets not get into a religious debate). I thank her for the food I am using, and ask her to thank the spirits/souls of the meat I am using. Because I respect them, and I thank the RSPCA for trying to persuade people to feel similar. At least if people are aware they should be able to follow their conciounce and choose whats best. Hopefully companys/farmers that are rearing animals unhumanely for meat will see sence, or at least see that their business isn't 'booming' and will revert to the natural way of farming. It may cost a little more, but if this proves successful then maybe people will be detered from that sort of meat and only go for free ranged animals.
I think I have lectured/rambled on long enough. Yet again Thanks and you have my full suport, not that it means much, but one voice may not seem a lot, but it's every 'penny' that counts right?
Rachael.
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porkies January 31, 2009 at 11:58 a.m.
Pipersfarm's case is well put and I totally agree that we need to work towards improved animal welfare since people will continue to exploit them for their meat, milk, skin, wool, fat and other products probably for as long as humans survive on this planet. I also understand that the majority of farmers care about their animals and many work with them because they love animals. However, I know some farmers that just see them as commodities and not as individuals with feelings.
The problem is that there are too many people on this planet and a resulting demand for a lot of cheaply produced food. Certainly, a move away from intensive farming systems will help reduce animal suffering, but as I argued in my previous post, it is the farming process that causes suffering, no matter what system is used. Yes, those that get to roam around in a field rather than live in a barn, or worse spend their lives inside a cage, have a better life. But even for those animals kept in better conditions, I do not believe it's acceptable to keep stealing young from their mothers and in the case of cows, then steal the milk that has been produced to feed its young. These animals work hard for several years, then have their lives cut short with a final frightening journey to the slaughterhouse, where their end is brutal, not what I would call 'humane'. Would we think it was 'humane' to kill human beings in this way?
While I do approve of these campaigns to improve animal welfare as I accept the fact that the majority of people wish to continue to use animal-derived products, I also think that people should be educated about the alternatives. When I gave up eating dairy produce, loads of people said to me, how can you live without cheese? Very easily, there are plenty of alternatives to eating cheese, which may be tasty but causes animals to suffer — knowing that makes it easy to live without.
For those thinking of becoming vegetarian or vegan I recommend you visit the Viva! website for information. It will not be long before you are converted.
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dcptb94 January 30, 2009 at 4:03 p.m.
It will help. People need to know where the meat they're buying comes from and what kind of conditions the animals have been reared in. It's so good that these issues are being brought to our attention.
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UKLFC January 30, 2009 at 12:26 p.m.
VeganxChick, they don't allow people to die, even when they're in a worse way than many animals. They make us live, supposedly its "humane"
However, it doesn't give you or anyone else who doesn't eat meat or use animal products the right to lambast anyone who does. I used to be vegan, and through health problems have to eat meat, due to a gluten and lactose allergy. So meat, and non-lactose containing products from animals are my main source of food.
There is not a problem with animals being reared for food as long as they are kept in better conditions. I can still remember live exports leaving the farms near where I live to go onto the boats, and I remember the protests(and I'm only 25). Already, so much HAS changed...like the reduction in battery farming, supermarkets having to say where the chickens came from and how they're raised. Freedom Food and the red tractor weren't around 10 years ago, but now they are. There's none of those barbaric pig cages in this country, and yes, I DID watch Jamie Oliver last night, and had to cover my eyes when the pig got castrated. However, the ONLY way people are going to change is not through oddball extreme activism, but a concentrated, concerned, well-thought out plan pushed forward by the few and supported by the many. (And yes, I also remember some of the so-called animal "activists" verbally and physically abusing farmers who didn't know any better)
Farming is in my blood. Great-granddad was a farmer, grandad was, mum grew up on a farm, and when I am able to, I'll have my own. Small, sustainable, organic.
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pipersfarm January 30, 2009 at 12:15 p.m.
My dad appeared last night on Jamie's programme about pigs. Despite the fact that we at Pipers Farm are farmers and butchers, I have given serious consideration to the arguments for vegetarianism and veganism.
It is correct that meat production requires more land use, through the crops grown for feed and space necessary to grow the animals. Therefore the argument against vegetarianism claiming that more space would be needed to grow vegetables is invalid.
It is clear that vegetarians and vegans are able to choose carefully what to eat and live healthy lives. To say they are all pale and anaemic is also clearly invalid and carefully ignores the fact that the millions of obese people who overindulge on burgers are in a worse position anyway.
So, given that I disagree with the only two arguments against vegetarianism expressed here why do I still eat meat?
The fact is, it is possible to raise and kill animals in a humane way and maintain a balance with countryside in which we live and work. Our business was created because while Dad was at his Dad's (my grandfather's) chicken processing plant one day when he was young he realised that anyone seeing this would be unlikely to eat meat ever again. Pipers Farm animals are grown in a way that we are proud to show anyone and the result is the best possible meat. They are grown at a natural pace, fed with grass and cereals (Our pigs eat apples in the cider orchards too) and then they are taken a short distance to a very small local abattoir where they are killed quickly and without the stress that a large factory system can induce.
To say that we don't care for animals is ridiculous. Undoubtedly there are a few farmers who aren't interested and this is more likely in an intensive system. However, even large scale farmers are often appalled by what they have been forced to do by the supermarkets' drive for cheaper produce and many are depressed as a result. However, on a small farm like ours, we are able to care for the animals in the way we feel best. We don't farm because we hate the animals, we farm because we love working with them. If we didn't we could probably do something else, though this is sadly a choice that many British farmers don't have.
Finally, some people have questioned the wisdom of the RSPCA doing this campaign, rather than campaigning for total vegetarianism. I would prefer someone to be a vegetarian than for them to eat factory farmed meat but if the RSPCA fought for this it would be regarded as wildly impractical, they would be ignored and then the pigs and chickens would continue to suffer. We cannot change the habits of Britain and the world overnight but small changes like this can make a big difference to the happiness of next years pigs and the year after that and so on and so on, rather than adopting a radical stance and achieving nothing. Its a fine balance between compromise and appeasement but I think that Jamie and the RSPCA are doing a good job.
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nicki Rose January 30, 2009 at 11:07 a.m.
i don't really think that clever labelling will make much of a difference to pig welfare?
i say, we have to that more action towards the source of the pig welfare.
i've always stood by the RSPCA views, but this time, we need to really fight for the animals rights....
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porkies January 30, 2009 at 10:18 a.m.
As a carer for four ex-farmed sows, I'm pleased that pigs are getting some press and the real horrors of the pig meat producing industry are being unveiled. I hope that many people watched Jamie Oliver's programme lastnight and that it at least educated them about the horrific conditions that pigs live in in some countries (e.g., Denmark), as well as the processes involved, such as tail docking and castration. It is obvious that better labelling of meat products will help people to make informed choices. Some of the labelled pig meat products shown on Jamie's programme lastnight were beyond belief, and surprise, surprise, Tesco was shown up again as having one of the most misleading labels.
Having said all this, I personally choose not to eat meat and not to eat dairy either, since animals produced for dairy products go through the same pain and misery as those produced for meat. What many people don't appreciate is that whatever the farming system, the whole farming process is inherently cruel. For example, sows and cows go through the pain of having their young taken away from them at an unaturally early stage, only to be immediately impregnated again and start the whole process again. If you were with a sow at this time, you would understand the mental pain and physical pain (from their full udders) that they go through for several days. So, it's not just about the conditions in which they live, it's about the farming process. It is inherently cruel, unnatural and abhorent.
Regarding vegans being busy planting crops to feed people: we grow acres and acres of crops to feed animals that we eat. This land could be used to feed us instead of animals. Furthermore, animals are fed on soya-based products and much of this is imported from countries like Brazil where vast tracts of forest are being destroyed to grow it.
As regards there not being any farmed animals if we didn't eat them - so what? Have people not noticed that one of the main reaons for the decline of our wildlife is the farming industry? Less farming, more wildlife to look at. Also, rare breeds are valued by as because we created them. Do you think the animals themselves want to be maintained in a way that causes them suffering just so their 'breed' survives? I don't think so.
Finally, the RSPCA does some good work, but it doesn't do enough for farmed animals. I think the Freedom Food labelling is misleading. How can we call keeping chickens in cages for egg production, several to a cage, 'freedom'? What's more, the lovely video of pigs running around in a field is also highly misleading. The Freedom Food standards do not require the system to be free range. Therefore, RSPCA, stop telling porkies and start really doing something to stop animals suffering. Campaign for people to stop eating meat and dairy. Sorry to all those farmers and other people out there who's lives depend on continued suffering of animals, but times are a-changing.
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anniedolittle January 30, 2009 at 4:06 a.m.
TO GIRLFACE,JOHN THE BUTCHER, AND ANYONE WHO EATS ANIMALS...GTF... ANYONE WHO TRULY CARES ABOUT ANIMALS , CARES ABOUT THIER FEELINGS TOO.
ALL ANIMALS FEEL FEAR , PANIC, DISTRESS, WHEN THEY GET TO A SLAUGHTER HOUSE ,AS WELL AS PHYSICAL PAIN AS THEY ARE BUTCHERED. IMAGINE YOURSELF IN THEIR PLACE ?
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girlface January 30, 2009 at 12:50 a.m.
At the end of the day, whatever is going on your plate, will affect you, as well as the animals. I do believe that you can be both an animal lover and a meat eater, as well as a consider meat eater without being an animal lover.
It's like the effects of DDT in LED countries, the hormones which are used in mass-producing animals, such as hens or cows for milking will be passed onto humans on consumption. So if we do not care about the animals health and welfare - surely we should care for our own?
I do believe that better labeling for pork products as well as continued public education of the difference between the standards for animals will have an effect. You just have to look at the on-going progress with hens conditions to know this. We should be educating not only adults who are purchasing the meat, but also the future farmers and meat-eaters of tomorrow.
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cstindle January 30, 2009 at 12:18 a.m.
The whole issue is very emotive, and there's such a wide range of opinions here, form one extreme to the other - I guess it's a useful exercise in understanding that everyone has the right to their own opinion and we should respect that!!
HOWEVER...my opinion, personally, is this:
I used to be vegetarian a few years back, and had been non-meat eating then for about 10years. This began from a desire not to support cruel and intensive farming methods and methods of slaughter. I do not disagree in principle with eating meat - my personal view is that it is a fact of nature to be meat-eating. But I do think we should aim for our food production to be ethical and of high welfare standards when involving live creatures. They should be treated with the respect and care that any living, feeling creature should be - that is our responsibility.
To that end I really want to share the name of the butcher I have discovered in recent years - The Real Meat Company. They have franchises across the country, so I'd strongly encourage people to check out their website if they are inspired to support good British farming practise. Their standards of animal rearing welfare, production and slaughter seem to me to be as good as I have found anywhere. Their costs are higher, yes - it isn't a cheap option - but if I can't afford as much at some times then I eat less meat and use more veggies and more pulses in recipes. I'd far and away rather support a company like this, and buy my meat with a clear conscience, even if it means adjusting our meals and compromising on quantity.
I'd be interested to hear if anyone else buys from here, too.
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VeganxChick January 29, 2009 at 10:14 p.m.
Excuse me! I love animals, clearly a great deal more then you jseg and your meat eating friends.
So Mags53 you say I annoy you because I am vegan - oh my heart bleeds!
Like I have said before, being vegan is the most acceptable way of life. On the other-hand eating animals is wrong. Billions upon billions of animals and fish suffer because of the greed and selfishness of the human race.
Farmers deserve no support whatsoever. When there was the bird flu outbreak all those poor birds were culled. Imagine a sick person was 'put to sleep' if they had a disease. The 'Human Right's Brigade' would have a field day.
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Mags53 January 29, 2009 at 8:54 p.m.
If you really care about pigs then you should only buy pork farmed in this country, and free range at that. Unless you're vegan of course in which case you'll be so busy planting crops to feed everyone that all of the pigs(cows, sheep, chickens, etc.) will have been killed and (presumably) buried already. That's the thing about vegans that annoys me, they don't realise that without our need of animals they will cease to exist - just look at all of the endangered species around the world that we don't have a need for! We need to farm ethically, it is possible and viable. STOP buying products produced abroad and support our farmers THEN and only then can we be sure and have influence on how ethically our food is produced.
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PiggyP January 29, 2009 at 6:18 p.m.
I have lived on a pig farm for the last 17 years. I do eat meat, and pork. The 2,500 pigs kept on the farm are outdoor reared, free range and RSPCA freedom food. I cannot speak for any other farm but I know that the piglets born on the farm, and the pigs that are kept here are content and well looked after during there stay. I would also like to state that the UK has much higher welfare standards that most if not all EU countries and not all farmers are evil and cruel to animals.
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jchaunt January 29, 2009 at 4:16 p.m.
Piglet (Jacky)
I adore pigs and haven't eaten 'P' for 20 years. If I could save them all I would.
They are adorable animals with their own personality and look.
I hope to own one or more in the future, as pets of course X
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hollykb January 29, 2009 at 1:31 p.m.
If everybody stopped eating pigs, then there wouldn't be any pigs. A lot of the rare breeds are struggling as it is, even when they are being farmed to eat. The majority of people keeping pigs need to get a return from them in order to afford to keep them. I love pigs, as well as all other animals. I was a zoo keeper for 4 years and am now setting up a farm unit for a school. We are just looking at getting some pigs and yes we will be breeding them for meat. Education is the solution to a lot of issues, and starting in schools teaching children where their food comes from at a young age is very important and will ultimately teach them to respect the animals. Not all animals bred for meat are kept in bad conditions, and there are strict rules on humane slaughter. Emotive rubbish, ie. " these poor creatures spend their bleak existence in pain and misery", is of no use to anyone and in the majority of cases not true. People aren't going to stop eating meat so use your energies more constructively by helping to support a more realistic solution!
About the actual issue, labelling products would be a massive help. I only buy british freedom food meat, and if I can't afford it I go without. johnthebutcher, great news that you only sold organic free range meat! I totally agree with you that the labels will work. Ignore these ranting unrealistic idiots who claim to be animal lovers.
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jseg January 29, 2009 at 11:05 a.m.
I think 'Jimmy-Jen' and 'VeganxChick' are exactly the reason people don't take animal welfare seriously. Like most things in life there are the extremists who are unable to see the big picture and what is trying to be achieved by the devoted.
I am a vegetarian myself, I choose to have this diet as I do not agree with the inhumane way animals are reared and then slaughtered. However, if standards were to be achieved that every animal lived a healthy 'happy' life and then was humanly killed I would return to eating meat.
As to the 'animals were not put on this earth to be eaten' comment - are you serious? Most animals would not survive if they didn't eat each other! It's the food chain. The disappointing thing is that we are at the top of it with the intelligence to know better but still we continue to cruelly treat the animals on which we rely so heavily.
I am so thankful for the devoted, knowledgeable people who make up the RSPCA, who stand up for the rights of animals and despite many hurdles continue to achieve better quality lives for all animals.
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VeganxChick January 28, 2009 at 10:39 p.m.
I'm sorry but if you love animals then how could you possibly want to eat them? Human beings can lead very healthy lives being vegan. And because all the arterie clogging foods are not part of a vegan diet, it makes us alot less prone to things like high cholestral or heart disease.
One of the very annoying things about people who consume animal and fish products - is that they conveniently forget where it comes from, and all the pain and suffering involved to make all the various revolting meat dishes or a cream cake. I think people who eat animals should be forced to 'meet their meat' quite literally.
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metalchic666 January 28, 2009 at 10:19 p.m.
I love animals, but i am not and probably will never be a vegitarian. I know many animals are bred to be eaten but that doesn't mean they should suffer for the short lives they have. I always buy free range and BRITISH meat and i barley ever eat meat at restaurants unless i know exactly where its come from. What many people don't realise is that the way animals are raised in much of Europe and the world would actually be illegal in this country - it is worse than our worst which is deplorable itself. I think that not only should labels say exactly where the meat came from and how its raised but supermarkets should actively encourage buying free range, well treated and BRITISH meat.
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VeganxChick January 27, 2009 at 2:09 p.m.
Five years ago I became vegetarian. However I was not aware of the suffering involved in the dairy industry. Someone I know said I was being a hypicrite telling people it is wrong to eat meat when I was still eating dairy products and she was right. The suffering that animals like the dairy cow or chickens go through is horrendous. Not only do these poor creatures spend their bleak existence in pain and misery, but when their time in the dairy industry is over, they then get sent to the slaughterhouse. So yes being vegetarian is a good thing, but being vegan means that nothing you eat has come from any animals, fish etc.
Yes pigs should be treated better, but at the end of the day like so many of you say, they still end up in the slaughter house. I really can't understand why anyone would want to put a piece of animal flesh in their mouthes. And then having it stuck between your teeth. But still that is up to the individal person, but I don't agree with it.
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luke January 27, 2009 at 10:10 a.m.
you know what it all comes down to is why do we as human beings have the right to mess with nature this way feeding animals up giving them very little freedom and short lived lives all for what a burger or sausage roll. i think we should all be vedgetarians i mean yeah in nature lions kill deer but they dont cook them and chop them up with knives and factory farm they also eat it raw with thwere teeth now if we were ment to eat all this meat why cant we eat it this was also our teeth are not designed for this. but yet we are such a selfish nature we choose to eat it and make these creatures suffer. i am vedge and wouldnt have it any other way .i think its good how the pig industry is getting looked at bt really in a real wrld is that going to stop sufferng?? its alright getting them to put labels on them but i think that it would be time better spent if the animals got more support from the day they were born to the day they die . having checks on them not paperwork but humans looking at the animals . as for abatoirs they should be checked that te animal get traet with dignity and are not scared as for the people that work oin them dont even get me started on them wot evil people . does anyone agree
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givepigspace January 26, 2009 at 11:01 p.m.
Although I understand the the sentiment 'don't kill pigs'
The reality is that if pigs were not kept for meat then hardly any pigs would be kept at all.
The most important aspects are the length and quality of life that the pigs receive from their keepers,before they are killed in the most humane way possible.
No pigs killed ,will entail no pigs lived.
Let pigs live well, contented and lengthy lives.
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Jimmy-Jen January 26, 2009 at 7:09 p.m.
John the butcher -
Why are you even On the RSPCA's "Give Animals a voice" website? You hate animals, kill them, then sell thier food. I'm surprised that you even bothered to WRITE about animals. You hate and kill them. You don't belong on it. So don't write about the RSPCA if you have nothing good to say about them or the abimals!
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VeganxChick January 26, 2009 at 1:35 p.m.
R.E johnthebutcher - I take it you do not like animals then... as you are a butcher. Why would you want a job like that? It is just evil. You are no better than a farmer or one of those horrendous people who work in an abotoir!
Eating animals is very wrong. They were not put on this earth to be eaten!
I personally know three people who have high cholestral because of what they eat. It could be said that they deserve it, as they have appalling diets.
Everyone should be vegan. It is better for the environment, better for your health and most importantly better for animals.
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evie January 26, 2009 at 10:45 a.m.
hi i have made a decision to not buy anything where appropriate that is not free range or has an RSPCA logo on it. i have made this decision because of this website but also because of watching a film called fast food nation, it is a must see but i warn you it is unpleasant and maybe upsetting in some places especially at the end. it is about the equivalent of fast food places and how they get it so cheap. but now i will be sticking up for pigs!!!! and i agree with so many of you that it would take me such a long time to mention you all. !!!! GO PIGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! xxxx
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johnthebutcher January 26, 2009 at 10:10 a.m.
This is my first time writing on this forum, and the first 'reply' i read, was the idiot below me, how does he/she think people will take animal suffering seriously if they just see something like that (apologies if someone has put something since the person below me, its the reply that says, save the pigs, do not kill the pigs, over and over.
As for the labelling, yes it will work, 100%, how do i know this, simply as i used to have my own butchers (now work for morrisons), and the amount of people that asked me if my meat was free range/organic were a lot more happy about buying when you show them, something akin to a soil association (organic)logo, obviously at supermarkets, this would be replaced by labels. It would help, no doubt about it, Im not saying everyone is bothered, but a few is a start!
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Jimmy-Jen January 25, 2009 at 7:01 p.m.
Save the pigs! Do not kill! Save the pigs! Do not kill! Save the pigs! Do not kill! Save the pigs! Do not kill! Save the pigs! Do not kill!Save the pigs! Do not kill! Save the pigs! Do not kill! Save the pigs! Do not kill! Save the pigs! Do not kill! Save the pigs! Do not kill! Save the pigs! Do not kill! Save the pigs! Do not kill! Save the pigs! Do not kill! Save the pigs! Do not kill! Save the pigs! Do not kill! Save the pigs! Do not kill!Save the pigs! Do not kill! Save the pigs! Do not kill! Save the pigs! Do not kill! Save the pigs! Do not kill! Save the pigs! Do not kill! Save the pigs! Do not kill! Save the pigs! Do not kill! Save the pigs! Do not kill! Save the pigs! Do not kill! Save the pigs! Do not kill! Save the pigs! Do not kill!Save the pigs! Do not kill! Save the pigs! Do not kill! Save the pigs! Do not kill! Save the pigs! Do not kill! Save the pigs! Do not kill! Save the pigs! Do not kill!Save the pigs! Do not kill! Save the pigs! Do not kill! Save the pigs! Do not kill! Save the pigs! Do not kill! Save the pigs! Do not kill!Save the pigs! Do not kill! Save the pigs! Do not kill! Save the pigs! Do not kill! Save the pigs! Do not kill! Save the pigs! Do not kill! Save the pigs! Do not kill!
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WolfGirl January 24, 2009 at 8:06 p.m.
I love pigs - their noses are the best!!
I think that we should find out where the pigs are from to make sure they haven't been through unnessisary cruelty.
It would be beter if we didn't eat pigs at all, though...
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Jimmy-Jen January 24, 2009 at 7:57 p.m.
I think pigs are lovely animals. I feel bad about eating them... but if I had the power I would stop it completley. I love them and I live on a farm but we don't have any pigs. If we did I would never kill any pigs even though i dont.
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maisiemouse January 23, 2009 at 4:48 p.m.
for xmas i got a beutiful ginger and black spotty pig called ruby. she is a coony coony. (type of pig)i am discusted by anyone who is prepared to eat a pig when they diddnt know where it had come from and how it had died. i am a veggie and i have never eaten tesco value meat. as soon as we got ruby none of my family(exept my grandad) eats pig. if my bacon-loving dad and brother can give up eating pigs then why cant everybody else?
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Partypopper January 22, 2009 at 7:15 p.m.
Im happy because i love pigs and the rspca are now going to help them even more.let them live as they let us live
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Ellz January 22, 2009 at 4:09 p.m.
Im really pleased that the RSPCA is doing a campaign on pigs. I think the lables on the packages is a good idea. Free range meat is a great way on showing that the pig has had a happy life.
Great work RSPCA!!
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Kitten1987 January 21, 2009 at 11:41 p.m.
To be honest, I don't know if it will work or not. I still see plenty of people still buying the cheap eggs in supermarkets. However, I sincerely hope it does make a difference and weather we know if it's going to work or not, it is always worth a try.
I think awareness is the biggest thing. There are a lot of people, like me, who if they knew, would go for the freedom food every time, if they were aware. Personally (this may make me seem silly) I wasn't aware of this problem. And that is because people just do not think of these things on their own. Campaigns for awareness are always important so we know that we have pointed it out and made it obvious to everyone.
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imavetnurse January 20, 2009 at 10:48 p.m.
hey i now know why i wanted to work for the RSPCA they really care come on i went and brought chickens because the eggs at the shop were not free range enough for me why should pigs have different rules to chickens give the pigs the freedom they desevre they should make it so much easier to understand my brother didnt relise about outdoor bred ect until i explanded he was discussed my sister stuggles to come to terms with this as she bought a large piece of land to care for pigs any size any age any colour GO RSPCA I WILL BACK YOU ALL THE WAY
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xxberryxx January 20, 2009 at 8 p.m.
i think its a very good idea i think all meat products should have clear and easerly to understand labbles on how they where treated and how they where slaughtered i dont think animals suld be slaughtered at all but i do think animals suld be killed like some places do via cak i think its called where there in a room and they get put to sleep so there dead b4 they get hanged up side down and have there throats slit ...... i myself is a very strict vege dont eat meat fish eggs and dont drink milk and i only eat cheese to my high standars and no animal ingrediants so im glad i dont controbute to the horrible industry
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Booshishea January 20, 2009 at 5:09 p.m.
This campaign is a great way to raise awareness about the terrible conditions pigs suffer before being slaughtered. I hope people start thinking about what they are buying. I can't eat meat that hasn't got a label saying 'Free Range!' It worked for eggs so I hope it'll work for pigs, too. Pigs are amazing, intelligent creatures and are the fourth most intelligent creature on the planet! They are actually very neat and tidy creatures despite what people say. You could even keep one inside your house they are so neat!(But don't- it wouldn't be kind to the pig!)
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VeganxChick January 19, 2009 at 11:12 p.m.
Pigs are lovely intelligent animals and it saddens me greatly the way they and all the other poor farm animals get treated. I have zero sympathy for farmers! what they do to these lovely creatures is unforgivable.
Now of course it is better for the pigs to be treated better - but they still end up going to slaughter. The best thing you can all do for pigs is to STOP EATING THEM.
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oddss January 19, 2009 at 6:50 p.m.
Over 10 years ago I spoke at an RSPCA-AGM about the CRUELTY of RITUAL SLAUGHTER ! I received UNANAMOUS AGREEMENT & was told that it would be STOPPED in our Country !? It still hasn't happened !! I would like the meat coming from animals KILLED by that method LABELLED. I am a VEGGIE but my husband still eats meat & objects STRONGLY to the CRUELTY involved in animals NOT BEING STUNNED before KILLING !!? Compassion
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Ben I January 19, 2009 at 3:56 p.m.
Yes it is a good idea, hopefully it will raise awareness to pigs who may be being mistreated.
I hold no sympathy for farmers who are treating their animals badly. (I have seen undercover videos from PETA that will make you go pale at some of the abuse)
Now I'm not saying all farmers are bad; but frankly if you are going to be *sadistic* like some of the PETA films show, then you deserve to be closed down and the animals moved to a safe place where they cannot be harmed.
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I_Love_My_Wifey January 19, 2009 at 2:58 p.m.
I think that putting labels on about the pigs welfare will help, because then people might stop buying them type of pigs and the people with the bad pig business would be shut down, however this would not be good for the farmer, and the pigs that arn't being used to be killed by the RSPCA could take care of the pigs and they could to different places.
Some people however may not pay attention to the labels.
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Catlover12132 January 18, 2009 at 4:19 p.m.
I am so happy about the RSPCA running a campaign on pigs! We have free range chickens so why not give pigs a good life whilst they're alive. I never realised outdoor bred was a different thing to free range. I do eat meat like,but I will look out for the FREEDOM FOOD label like many of us who have posted a comment on this blog.
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<3 Animalz <3 January 18, 2009 at 1:03 p.m.
I'm glad that the RSPCA have made a campaign about this issue. I love pigs but I do eat meat because I dont like many vegetables. I do want to be a vegeterian but I don't think I could do it! I'm going to look for the 'FREEDOM FOOD' label though as I dont like the way pigs are treated when they get killed.
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Clair2311 January 16, 2009 at 5:44 p.m.
I think its a great Campaign! I don't eat meat because i feel awful eating an Animal thats just me! I don't tell people to stop eating meat as its a natural thing with this campaign lets hope its going to give these Pig's a lovely life while they are alive!
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Horse Love January 16, 2009 at 11:03 a.m.
This sounds brill. It's always struck me as a bit unfair that people only ever think of hen welfare when it comes to consumarism & never animals like pigs, even though it ought to be more important as it's been proved how intelligent pigs are. This will deffo help pigs live a better life as people do care about animal welfare given the chance to do so.
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x_AnimalLover. January 15, 2009 at 8:34 p.m.
I'm am glad that there is a campaign for this, pigs are beautiful creatures, also very intellegent.
I think that the labelling will help because people will want to buy free ranged pork etc, as they do now with chicken.
This is needed as people need to know more about this great creature and respect them.
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saffroncat January 15, 2009 at 6:22 p.m.
Pigs are cool. I don't really think anyone should be eating them anyway. They make cool noises too.
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givepigspace January 14, 2009 at 10:36 p.m.
Clear labelling will give purchasers an opportunity to buy 'welfare-friendly'pigmeat.
It will encourage some pig farms to improve their practices,and the supermarkets to lock-in to farming practices which do not cause suffering to these farm animals.
It will also educate the buying public,who will then be more knowledgable as to what constitutes welfare -friendly pig farming,and a basis on which to campaign to reduce and eliminate cruel practices.
Consumers should be able to trust that a farming system does not cause suffering to the farm animals prior to being killed humanely away from awareness of other animals
Make it work, and help put an end to some appalling farming practices,some of which should be unlawful and legally enforced.
GIVE PIGS A DECENT LIFE,THEN WE'LL BE HAPPIER TOO. OINK OINK!
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#1 Doggy Lover January 14, 2009 at 6:40 p.m.
people say that pigs like mud but its creul to make them live in it!how would u like living in mud.
they deserve a good life
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westie3 January 14, 2009 at 3:13 p.m.
Exellent idea labelling on pork gives the public a choice.
I my self love pigs they are intelligence creatures and should be treated with respect.
Not housed in these sheds.
Not able to move around, dont see daylight.They should be outside Free Range.
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pig64 January 13, 2009 at 10:05 p.m.
I think this is an excellent idea, especially because pigs are my favourite animal! Clearer labelling will give people a choice and will hopefully get many buyers. Welfare is of a high standard in England, the best in the world!! So i don't see why this campaign won't work.
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polly January 13, 2009 at 9:54 p.m.
I am glad the RSPCA is running this campaign. Clearer labelling is what we need!! This will influence what the public buy, as in the case of free range eggs. I do not eat meat but my family do and with better labelling I know that my family will buy from farms that are free range. This labelling should be far ALL animals.
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lpalmer January 13, 2009 at 7:43 p.m.
This campaign approach is not only positive in its message but promotes welfare. I have been a vegetarian for 21 years, so it is a breath of fresh air to finally see action taken to make people aware of what farmed animals are subjected to. I do think the RSPCA should make a clearer message that all animals no matter what level of intelligence deserve to be treated with respect. Hopefully the RSPCA will also use this campgain to demonstrate improvements to their own services as unfortunately my perception of them is very negative.
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dollydog January 13, 2009 at 7:23 p.m.
Although I congratulate the RSPCA on its Rooting for Pigs campaign I cannot read all these posts and not advise people of the fact that the RSPCA Freedom Food scheme has not always been well or honestly run in the past.
One only has to visit the web site of Hillside Animal Sanctuary (Norfolk) to view videos of supposedly Freedom Food pigs belonging to the Scates family of Norfolk. These poor creatures were completely unable to move and stood up to their stomachs in filth. Above the door of the rusting hovel the pigs were housed in was the RSPCA Freedom Food sheet detailing the visits of the RSPCA inspector, in this case, he had been and OK'd everything the day before Hillside did the filming!
And I never did receive a reply from the RSPCA when I asked them why 2 perfectly rehomable Basset hounds had been shot in the head at Ipswich.
I guess my message is YES! we love animals but NO! don't fall prey to those with sugared tongues, who want to make us feel less guilty about the barbaric way animals are treated in this country and around the whole world. We should ALL feel guilty because we ARE guilty, every time we eat the flesh of an animal.
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Jane1669 January 13, 2009 at 6:39 p.m.
Well done RSPCA for bringing this campaign to peoples attention. In an ideal world we wouldnt even refer to animals as "food". Sadly most people will probably always eat meat so at least if we all try and make the short lives of these poor animals as good as possible it will be a step in the right direction. I think most people care about animals, but just dont think that much about what they eat. If they saw some of the horrible clips on youtube and the suffering animals endure it might bring it home to them. I turned vegetarian about a year ago and Im so glad I dont eat meat any more. I never liked the idea but just didnt take the next step which is to stop eating it. It wasnt until I found out about the horrible suffering that animals endure that I made the change. If I can do it anyone can (Im nearly 40 years old). I dont miss eating animals one bit!
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reilly19 January 13, 2009 at 4:19 p.m.
I think clearer labelling would be great, however a change of legislation in farming methods and animal welfare is the best way forward, sadly lots of people I know will not buy ethical/cruelty reduced products for the sake of saving themselves a few pence, especially in the current financial climate. Perhaps labelling showing a picture of the pig/cow/lamb/chicken would be good, as sometimes people completely dis-associate their pork chop with its previous owner! Mr Piggy!
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Karma January 13, 2009 at 2:49 p.m.
I really believe that Legislation not labelling is the answer. Despite labelling so many people choose to buy battery eggs and chickens. It won't make a real difference to pigs. The best thing we can do for pigs is to not eat them at all.
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Juliedoc January 13, 2009 at 2:42 p.m.
I personally think this campaign in common with others from the RSPCA, falls short of stating what will really stop pig cruelty - stop them buying and eating meat! Free-range meat may be preferable to factory farmed meat, but the reality is that both types of animal suffer in their journey to the dinner plate. Against pig cruelty? Stop eating them!
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i.fstr January 13, 2009 at 1:30 p.m.
Yes, clearer labelling will increase the sales of free range pork, just as proper labelling has increased the sales of free range eggs and caused the decline in sales of battery eggs.
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ran January 12, 2009 at 9:03 p.m.
keep saving pigs! DONT STOP! MAKE IT GO FURTHER! KEEP IT UP RSPCA! THANKS RSPCA
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mannyborg January 12, 2009 at 7:07 p.m.
Thanks for running this campain. The sooner we get results the better. There is no reason why this should not be EU wide. Good luck RSPCA.
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templarseries January 12, 2009 at 6:04 p.m.
I agree with thethreepigs - transportation misery and farming can be better policed but ultimately pigs should not be eaten - neither should any other - I have been vegetarian since my teens and I am now 44 and I have had no ill effects. The RSPCA should be pushing a vegetarian lifestyle - it is better for everyone - not least the animals.
'ROOTING FOR PIGS" does not go far enough.
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thethreepigs January 12, 2009 at 4:05 p.m.
i dont think we should eat pigs at all
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amandar January 12, 2009 at 1:57 p.m.
I think it is long needed, I don't understand half the labelling out there with many others and it needs to be clear so we know what we're buying. People do need to wake up now and act and this campaign will I hope, help to do that.
I hope eventually it will filter down to the farmers, if people watch what they buy.
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Melody January 12, 2009 at 10:38 a.m.
I hope so - it's difficult to say. I know it worked for eggs so hopefully it'll work for pigs too.
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Clogs January 12, 2009 at 10:34 a.m.
I'm so pleased the RSPCA is running a campaign on pigs! I hope clearer labelling will be what's needed to get people that buy pork to think about the welfare of pigs. I hadn't realised that the terms 'outdoor bred' etc didn't mean free-range. I will definitely take lots of action for this campaign. Thanks RSPCA!
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