Investigation reveals horrific conditions in Austria's
pig farms
A two-month investigation conducted by animal rights
activists has exposed horrific and illegal conditions
in intensive pig farming businesses throughout Austria
and has led to a demand for major reforms.
Sow stalls without bedding or room for pigs to turn
around or lay down. Such crowding leads to psychotic
behaviour such as the "bar biting" .
During August and September 2006, activists entered
125 pig factories in different regions of Austria
and documented the living conditions and quality of
life for 120,675 pigs. This cross-section represents
3.82% of all pigs farmed in all the major farming
areas of the country.
On 27th September, the activists presented their
findings at a press conference. The investigation
revealed that:
- 85.5% of pigs live on gridded floor
- 98.7% of pigs live without straw bedding
- 98.1% of breeding sows are put into farrowing
crates
- 72.1% of breeding sows are permanently in sow
stalls
- 45.,4% of pigs live with illegally little natural
light
- 99.2% of breeding sows live without nesting material
Only 0.05% of pigs are free range in Austria.
In addition, all the pig factories were found to
be unhygienic with live animals living amongst sick
or dead animals. Many of the farms were also found
to be in violation of the laws by using electric prodding
sticks and certain banned medications, including antibiotics
(which were found in every factory without exception)
as well as hormones and other illegal substances.
All pig factories involved in the study were found
to be unhygienic, with sick and dead animals left
unattended.
Click image to enlarge.On the basis of these shocking
findings, animal rights advocates are calling for
an immediate ban on gridded floors and sow stalls,
and are demanding that factories be required to keep
pigs on straw bedding.
At a time when Austria is seeing animal welfare and
animal rights take centre stage as an important election
issue for all political parties, the Green Party and
the Social Democrats have chosen to support the activist's
demands. Both parties took part in the press conference,
seizing the opportunity to advance their agendas.
The Social Democrats' campaign program includes a
debate on rights for great apes and a ban on breeding
pheasants and ducks for shooting and a reform of zoos.
The Green Party has also organised a Vegan Summerfest
on 30th September, where they will introduce their
animal program to the electorate. A ban on zoos, reform
of the laws on animal experiments, rights of great
apes, a ban on breeding pheasants and ducks for shooting,
and a ban on gridded floors for pigs are amongst the
many pledges.
It seems the only Austrian political party opposed
to making animal issues a part of their political
campaign also happen to be the party currently in
power. The Conservative Party issued a statement in
response to the press conference, saying that they
disagree that pigs are kept in deplorable conditions
and that they see no need to change the law.
Activists have set up a web page to publicise their
study, complete with images. It can be viewed at www.vgt.at/schweine.
| 
