Your monthly gift is matched for a year - multiply your impact today.  DONATE NOW
News
Get the latest news and updates from Animal Equality

Three men Animal Equality exposed abusing pigs charged with animal cruelty offences

30/10/2018 Updated: 14/01/2021
Fir Tree Pig Farm - Animal Equality

The workers, named as Artis Grogprkevs, 31, from Goxhill; Gavin Hardy, 39, from South Killingholme, and Troy Wagstaff, 30, from Grimsby, will appear in court next month. All three men have been charged with causing unnecessary suffering to pigs by inflicting blunt force trauma, physical violence and using a pitchfork inappropriately, shocking footage of which we exposed earlier in the year.

Investigators visited Fir Tree Farm several times between 1st and 27th April 2018 after an anonymous tip-off about animal cruelty from a brave whistleblower. They recorded serious and repeated violent abuse of pigs by members of staff, including repeated incidents of pigs being violently kicked in the face and head. Workers were also filmed slamming gates on pigs’ heads, repeatedly jabbing pigs with pitchforks and laughing at the abuse.

Animal Equality passed all of our evidence to the RSPCA and welcome the news that they have now pressed charges. The three men in question are due to appear at Grimsby Magistrates Court on November 23. We expect them to face the full force of the law for this sickening and inexcusable abuse. Consumers concerned by this can help stop cruelty taking place on factory farms by choosing from the many delicious alternatives to meat now available.


Latest News
27/06/2025

Animal Equality campaigners took to the streets of central London this week in a powerful double demonstration, calling on two major companies – Marriott International and Ahold Delhaize – to take urgent action for animals and uphold their cage-free commitments.
23/06/2025

What really happens behind closed farm doors? Investigators uncovered cows chained by their noses, shocked with electricity, and separated from their newborns moments after birth.
16/06/2025

High Court ruling confirms animal welfare can be considered in planning decisions – a breakthrough moment for campaigners fighting the UK’s first on-land salmon megafarm.