Cannibalism, gangrene, and open wounds: exposing horrors on Spanish pig farms
Animal Equality releases footage exposing shocking conditions at two pig farms in Aragón, Spain, allegedly linked to major companies in the Spanish pig industry.
One farm, located in Ontiñena, Huesca, is allegedly linked to Joaquín Bayona and Piensos Costa, while the other, in Alfamén, Zaragoza, operates under the name Agrapur, possibly connected to Copiso.
Evidence of systemic cruelty
Although these companies hold animal welfare certifications, including examples like ‘IAWS’ and ‘WELFAIR’, the exposé reveals severe violations of animal protection laws, leading Animal Equality to file formal complaints. The following scenes were exposed:
- Pigs with large abscesses on their stomachs and genital areas, left without veterinary treatment, resulting in deformities.
- Cannibalism among pigs, including a live pig biting the open wounds of their peers. In one scene, a severely injured pig unable to move is filmed screaming and convulsing whilst being eaten alive. Another pig suffering from ticks and bleeding ears is bitten by fellow pigs.
- Pigs with advanced gangrene of the hooves and feet as well as infected wounds on the ears, testicles and hind legs, causing severe deformities. No apparent veterinary treatment.
- Piglets showing signs of severe malnutrition.
- A convulsing pig left to suffer on a filthy floor, without veterinary care.
- Carcasses abandoned next to live pigs, increasing disease risks.
- A dead piglet found near a contaminated water source, posing serious health risks.
- Rat poison located near the pigs as well as rats inside pens, exacerbating the health risks.
This evidence highlights alarming failures to comply with animal welfare regulations in Spain. Moreover, the documented abuses may amount to several criminal offences.
Once again, we are witnessing the constant suffering endured by animals on farms across Spain. We demand that the authorities carry out a thorough inspection, hold those responsible accountable and take urgent measures to put an end to these cruel practices and impunity. They must ensure compliance with animal welfare regulations.
Javier Moreno, Co-Founder of Animal Equality
We have initiated legal proceedings
A veterinary expert has reviewed the footage released by Animal Equality and confirms that the findings indicate a serious breach of animal welfare regulations.
The findings here point to poor management of the systems examined. The high prevalence of injuries, lameness, cannibalism and the lack of space contributing to these processes is evidence of a lack of implementation of measures to promote the animal welfare of the animals observed, as well as a lack of training and/or disinterest on the part of the staff in charge.
Dr Karen Mancera, PhD in Veterinary Science, Behaviour and Animal Welfare from the University of Queensland, Australia
With evidence in hand, Animal Equality has filed legal complaints against the two farms, where the violations could result in fines of up to €100,000 (approximately £83,000). We have also called for the suspension of operations and the closure of the facilities.
The authorities must act to verify the facts, check the condition of the animals, implement corrective and safety measures to prevent further harm.
Anna Mulá, Legislative Advocacy Manager at Animal Equality Spain
A widespread problem in Spain
These findings are not isolated incidents. Animal Equality’s investigations have repeatedly exposed similar conditions in Spain’s pig industry over the past 15 years.
In 2023, only 0.98% of farms in Spain’s animal agriculture sector were inspected. When inspections are carried out, they are notified up to 72 hours in advance. Despite widespread violations, Spain remains the EU’s largest producer of pig meat, slaughtering over 53 million pigs annually. The flesh of these intelligent animals is then exported worldwide, including to the UK, which imports thousands of tonnes of Spanish pig meat every year, perpetuating this cruelty on a global scale.
Not just a problem in Spain
Similar suffering takes place here too. In the UK, Animal Equality has uncovered harrowing conditions on so-called ‘certified’ pig farms. We have exposed shocking scenes of pigs being beaten to death with a hammer on a ‘Quality Meat Scotland’ assured farm, operated by a major industry figurehead. We’ve also investigated several Red Tractor-accredited pig farms over the years, including the most recent investigation at Cross Farm in Holsworthy, Devon, which confines around 12,000 pigs and supplies meat to Tesco. Across six visits between 2023-2024, our team documented over 100 hours of footage, revealing both legal and illegal abuses. We discovered piglets being ‘thumped’ and killed against concrete walls, having their tails cut off without anaesthetic, and being crushed alive as their mothers attempted to turn around in cages.
Time and time again, we’ve exposed this cruelty, and we remain committed to fighting for change. In countries like Spain and Germany, we are pursuing legal action against abusive farms, including against the notorious Hermano Carrasco farm, where we’ve been pushing for justice since 2018. In the United States, we’re working to end factory farming and pressuring corporations like Denny’s to follow through on their commitments to eliminate cruel gestation crates, where pigs are barely able to stand up and cannot turn around. Meanwhile, in the UK, we continue to demand that the Government holds companies accountable for their crimes, enforces stricter regulations, and supports farmers transitioning to plant-based alternatives.
How you can help animals
The most effective way you can help pigs and all animals is to leave them off your plate. By choosing plant-based alternatives, you make a powerful statement against animal cruelty and support a more compassionate food system.
protect pigs
Pigs are highly social animals who are often considered smarter than dogs. You can protect these intelligent animals by simply choosing plant-based alternatives.
