Pig farmers alerted to spike in animal activist incursions

Pig farmers have been put on alert to the increased risks of incursions and secret filming by animal activists ahead of the Pig and Poultry Fair in May.

Zoe Davies, chief executive of the National Pig Association (NPA), said the organisation has seen an “elevation of animal rights activity” and urged farmers to be extra vigilant.

In one recent example, a farm in North Yorkshire discovered a camera had been placed “quite brazenly” above a pig pen, leading to fears of surveillance by activists.

Speaking at this week’s NFU Council meeting in Warwickshire, Dr Davies said NPA members had been put on high alert.

“We know they [animal rights activists] are busy again and normally they do try to do something before the pig fair.

“We have a lot more CCTV out there than we used to have, but my concern is that when farmers are literally on their knees we will get another exposé, which is something we really don’t want. We are trying to support people and keep them vigilant.”