Hull-based meat producer Cranswick has revealed that an independent investigation into its animal welfare policies is “well advanced” after shocking abuse allegations surfaced at a farm run by the company. The firm’s chief executive confirmed that animal welfare practices and monitoring have been strengthened in recent months as a direct response to the controversy.
Cranswick ceased operations at Northmoor Farm, near Market Rasen, Lincolnshire, back in May when undercover filming allegedly captured staff mistreating piglets at the site. The disturbing footage appeared to show employees gripping piglets by their back legs before hurling them against the ground, employing a prohibited killing technique dubbed “piglet thumping”.
The footage, accumulated over a period of weeks in 2024 by an undercover Animal Justice Project (AJP) investigator, also includes alleged extreme maltreatment, neglect of animals, routine mutilations, and “botched shootings”, along with excessively cramped conditions. Cranswick committed to not selling any pigs that were reared at the implicated farm.
Adult pigs, including highly pregnant sows, were shown being shot with captive bolts while unrestrained. There were audible screams from one sow after the first shot.
Evidence of additional harsh treatment is visible in clips displaying pigs being kicked, scratched, kneed, prodded, their back fur yanked, and being beaten with metal rods and spades. Workers are also seen throwing piglets across pens, lifting them by their ears, and dropping them onto hard surfaces.
(Image: Animal Justice Project / SWNS)
AJP said that the images were being publicised to “expose the realities of pig farming to the British public as part of a new national campaign”. Responding to the footage at the time, a Cranswick spokesperson said: “The welfare of the animals we rear is of the utmost importance and we are extremely disappointed to see the unacceptable lapse of welfare standards captured at Northmoor Farm.
“As soon as we saw the footage we suspended the team working at the farm and we are conducting an urgent and thorough investigation. We have also suspended the farm from supplying any pigs until the investigation is completed.”
Leading retailers Asda, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s and Tesco all dropped Northmoor Farm from their supply chains, prompting Cranswick to commission the independent examination of its animal welfare standards and livestock management. Adam Couch, the firm’s chief executive, said: “In line with the commitments we made on May 20, we have further strengthened our animal welfare compliance practices and checks.
“The independent expert veterinarian led review of these policies and procedures is well advanced, and we look forward to receiving its recommendations. We will provide a further update on this review in due course.”
Monday’s announcement coincided with the business disclosing that revenue climbed by 9.7 per cent during the 13 weeks ending June 28, driven by the purchase of sausage producer Blakemans and expanding overseas sales.
Cranswick has reported a robust 7.9 per cent increase in like-for-like revenues, buoyed by new business acquisitions and a strong performance from its “premium added-value ranges”.
Mr Couch expressed optimism about the company’s performance, stating: “We have made a strong start to the year, delivering volume-led revenue growth across all product categories. Our continued positive progress reflects the substantial ongoing investment in our asset base and the quality and capability of our colleagues across the business.”