This video shows scenes of animal cruelty and tooth clipping filmed undercover in intensive factory farms

These recent undercover investigations carried out by Compassion in World Farming revealed the cruel conditions in which many of Europe’s pigs are reared.

These images are shocking- but we believe that people should be able to see the true cost of their food and be given the information to help them make ethical shopping choices.

Most pigs reared for meat are confined in barren, overcrowded sheds where many never see daylight. Kept on bare concrete or fully slatted floors with no straw for bedding or rooting, they are unable to express their natural behaviour. With nothing for these intelligent, inquisitive creatures to do, they become bored and frustrated and resort to biting each others’ tails.

Instead of providing a more stimulating environment, it is common for farmers to dock piglets’ tails to reduce injuries from biting. Piglets often have their teeth clipped shortly after birth to minimise biting injuries to the teats of sows kept in farrowing crates, and to other piglets. Like tail docking, this is usually carried out without anaesthetic or pain relief, and can cause lasting pain. The damage caused to teeth also makes them prone to infection. These mutilations are not necessary if pigs are kept in high welfare systems.

In many countries, male piglets are castrated to reduce “boar taint” which can affect the flavour of the meat from some male pigs. Again, this painful process is usually carried out without anaesthetic. Castration is not necessary if male pigs are slaughtered at lower weights before they reach sexual maturity.