Pig Investigation: Netherlands

Dutch pig farm, 2008

Conditions at a total of nine farms were documented, eight in the provinces of North Brabant and one in Zuid-Holland.

All but one of the farms seemed to be individually owned and operated with pig facilities located close to other farm operations and the houses of presumably the owners/operators.

The one farm visited in the Zuid-Holland region appeared to be owned and run at a ‘corporate’ level.

• In 100% of Netherland farms visited, a significant number of tail docked pigs were present
• In 88% of Netherland farms visited, there was either no or ineffective environmental enrichment.

Netherlands 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.