Together, by choosing not to support factory farms, we’re paving the way for positive change in the lives of animals. Let’s make a difference, one step at a time!
Factory Farmed Pigs
About 105 million pigs are raised each year for slaughter on factory farms. The breeding sows are either artificially inseminated or confined to racks to breed with a male pig. The future moms are then confined to gestation crates as small as 2’x7’ for up to four months until the babies are born. The crate floors are slatted so the urine and feces can fall through and there is no bedding for the animals to rest on.
After the babies are born, the little families are moved to farrowing crates that are smaller than the gestation crate. The sow is unable to move and must remain on her side. She cannot nuzzle her babies and there is no bedding to rest on. Her sole purpose is to provide food for her babies. The piglets often get trapped in the floor slates and cannot properly nurse.
After a few weeks the babies are moved to a nursery and then to a finishing crate. The mothers are returned to the racks and are impregnated again. They are slaughtered after three to four years of this cycle. Her babies are slaughtered at six to ten months. Slaughtered pigs are stunned by an electric gun or other devise prior to having their throats slit.
Due to the horrendous conditions the babies are forced to live in, they sometimes bite each other’s tails off. To avoid this, newborn piglets have their tails docked near the base without the use of anesthesia. They often have their ears notched, and teeth removed without anesthesia. Being confined to such a small space causes repetitive behaviors of bar-biting and sham chewing, which is the repetitive chewing of nothing. During their short lives they suffer from extreme mental and physical trauma.
The close-quarter confinement and unsanitary living conditions lead to a variety of diseases including reproductive and respiratory syndrome, influenza, and salmonellosis. Both influenza and salmonellosis can be transmitted to humans.
We can make a difference by refusing to purchase factory farmed meat. When there is no longer a demand, the torture and exploitation of these wonderful animals will end.
Come meet our sweet pigs Penny, Petunia, Boots, Harley, and Groot to witness first-hand their curiosity, playfulness, intelligence, and affection. Tours are available March through December. Go to our Visit the Farm page to book an appointment.
#MakeADifference #animalrights #choosecompassion #nofactoryfarms
(Source: National Humane Education Society)
