Pig Investigation: Hungary

Investigators were able to record the conditions of a total of ten farms centred around Szeged in Csongrad and Bekes Counties, key pig producing regions.

Hungarian pig farm, 2008

Pig production was found to be carried out typically in enclosed high volume industrialised farms with slurry run-off ditches, often secured by high barbed wire fences and hidden from general view. Limited access to outdoor space was sometimes available.

• In 70% of Hungarian farms visited, a significant number of tail docked pigs were present
• In 70% of Hungarian farms visited, there was either no or ineffective environmental enrichment.

Hungarian vs European pig industry: The facts

Take action

• Ask the EU to ensure that the EU Pigs Directive is enforced
• Consumers can make a difference by checking labels and demanding higher welfare.