Pig Cruelty Claims: Loopholes Blamed for Animal Abuse

Agricultural exemptions to animal protection laws are leading to cruelty in Victorian pig processing facilities, a parliamentary inquiry has been told. Video of workers euthanasing piglets by slamming their heads on concrete floors or cutting their tails and teeth without pain relief were shown to inquiry members, along with a video appearing to show a worker performing a sex act on a pig confined to a sow pen. Inquiry members members Bev McArthur, Renee Heath and Gaelle Broad from Victoria’s Liberal and National parties stepped out during the screening. Animals Australia counsel Shatha Hamade said industry codes of practice were not animal welfare standards and never had been....