Letters sent to the NZ Pork Industry Board calling for a ban on cruel practices.Below are emails from caring New Zealanders that have been sent to the NZ Pork Industry Board. These give pig farmers the opportunity to hear what people think of their industry.
Factory Farming of pigs Just letting you know that i am disgusted in your inactivity against the cruelty of pigs that are factory farmed. A year on from your review and still no change. It is incompetent, there is no other way to say it.
I am only one person but i have not had any pork products for a year, down from at least twice a week. If this continues and the general public follow my trend the pork industry will crumble.
Anyway just expressing my disappointment once again.
Regards - Mark Baines, 26th July 2010
Animal creulty Hi there,
I understand NZ pork is soon going to be labelled welfare approved, and technically although the farm is approved the standards such as that of Colin Kay's Levin farm will be approved. The conditions those pigs live in make me sick and I know I cant sleep at night worrying about it so Im sure you cant either. Please ensure the audit standards are raised so pigs can no longer be kept in horrible conditions. Even better it should be banned altogether. - Natalie Smith, 26th July 2010
Our family's message to the members of the NZ Pork Board We would like you to keep at the forefront of your minds that pigs are living sentient beings, mammals like us, with the same needs, and just as capable of suffering as you would if penned tightly in a narrow crate for weeks or months on end. Would you wish to live this way for even 2 days? Obviously not.
Till now you have considered pigs merely as an economic unit, a commodity from which a good profit can be made, but please gentlemen, join the 21st century and realise that the more enlightened and compassionate members of society are pledged to continue the fight to free animals from cruel confinement in crates and stalls and give them the quality of life they deserve.
Sufficient surely that you are bent on ending their lives in group fear with the screams of their fellows being butchered all around them. As long as you are happy to go on endorsing these "pig concentration camps", you will remain in the dark ages and in a spiritual abyss.
Please understand that many of the public aren't fooled by your leader's publicity blurbs and whitewashes. We recognise duplicity when we see it and we see through the tactics you've all agreed on.
When you people finally come our of denial, come clean and admit to the obvious cruelties in your industry, and start to show some *genuine* care and compassion for those animals whose lives you control and exploit, the public will then start to trust you. But not till then.
The ongoing cruelty and animal neglect shown by Colin Kay, once a chairman of your board, is not an isolated example.
Gentlemen, will we ever see the end of duplicity and white-washing and the birth of decency, care and compassion in you? Until we do, the animals you force to endure pain and distress to provide you with a comfortable lifestyle will continue to suffer.
Be it on your conscience. It is no longer on ours, as we as a family have stopped the purchase and consumption of all pork products. - Michael Cowan, 26th July 2010
please read this is horrible. i cant sleep some nights laying awake knowing that these pigs are kept this way do to ours how u would like to be treated yourself. these pigs are in pain its called torture stop this have a heart this is nz and we should be leading the way in caring for animals there is plenty of room out there for free range and it would be easier and its not right keeping these animals like that how can u live with yourself - gemma lovett, 25th July 2010
pigs Disgusting-close this "farm' immediately.How do you people sleep at night. - carole wood, 24th July 2010
Sow Crates Sat News TV1 I am recommending to all my friends in NZ and overseas to stop buying ANY NZ pork until this barbaric type of farming continues in a so called civilized country.
Even if the pork comes from "free range" farms I'll not recommend it to all my friends, because I want the "free range" farmers to help us rid our country of this cruel system of farming. Shame on these farmers and shame on others who try to cover up for these people. If enough of us ban NZ pork products and import our pork albeit that pork may have come from sow crates, and we manage to hurt your industry, then perhaps you will take measures to rid this country of this unpalatable practice. - Norm Morgan, 24th July 2010
Factory Farming of Pigs I have no watched two programmes on TV1 about pig factory farming and I consider that the Pork Board is not doing sufficient to create pleasant conditions for the pigs that are being reared for us to eat. I have been concerned about this for a while but have now decided it is time to take some action.
1. I shall not buy pork or pork products unless there is a free-range guarantee on it.
2. I shall not eat pork or pork products at friends' homes unless the pork is free-range.
3. I shall not each pork or pork products at restaurants unless there is a free-range guarantee.
4. I shall investigate the sources of park and pork products at the supermarkets where I shop and insist on free-range products being stocked.
5. I shall comment to customers in supermarkets about the nature of the pork sold in supermarkets.
6. I shall begin an email and phone campaign amongst my friends and acquaintances to not buy pork that is factory farmed.
Finally, I shall make it clear that the responsibility for this parlous situation for pigs is the result of inaction by the Pork Board and I shall contact members of Parliament about this.
I look forward to your reply.
Yours sincerely - Bonny Le Grice, 24th July 2010
Pig cruelty pork board stupidity Yet again you are all exposed as not only morally bankrupt but commercially stupid , you had the perfect opportunity to change your ways and add value to your product . Unfortunately the same small group with vested interests still control your industry and your board. Your CEO is perfect for you an apologist showing no leadership whatsoever.
Unfortunately it appears your tentacles go deep into the Beehive, as the long awaited legislation looks neutered anyway .
We can only as a Nation hopes this stops through you either going broke or a new government enacts legislation to make your practices illegal. - Andrew and Julie Bonner, 24th July 2010
Cruel and unnecessary From this day forth my family and myself will not eat the pork from pigs farmed in this cruel and unnecessary manor, you should feel completely ashamed. - David Barnard, 24th July 2010
badly treated pigs Dear NZ Pork Industry Board
Our family used to eat pork meat, i.e. chops and bacon etc. Unfortunately this is no longer the case. The reason is that the cruelty to factory farmed pigs is still hapening. It appears that you are unfortunately not strong enough to influence the people who farm the pigs to ensure that they treat the animals with proper care and fairness.
Now when we see others eat pork it makes us think about the unfairness and cruelty.
It is very sad that things have sunk that low. Hope you can make some changes. - van petegem scott, 24th July 2010
Pig welfare We watched with disgust the Tonight program and can not understand your organisation allowing the farming practices shown to continue within the pork industry. If among your members you have anyone with a sense of decency you would stop these outrageous practices now. - Graham& Janet Williams, 23rd July 2010
Nutrition Just because we can - should we be treating animals in such barbaric ways? I am not a vegetarian and I enjoy eating meat. But it can be done in much more 'humane' ways at only a little more expense. I am willing to pay the price. Are you? - Glenn Willard, 22nd July 2010
Against factory farming of pigs It is an extremely cruel practice, these animals deserve better if we are to eat them! There is an alternative and these barbaric practices condoned by a supposedly civilized and green country has to and should stop immediately.
Please stop, you know it makes sense! If we want a kinder nicer world to live in then as humans we have the power and control to firstly stop this abuse towards innocent creatures! - Rachel Manley, 21st July 2010
pigs I hear their cries and I am coming! - kymi, 21st July 2010
Outrageous Fraud I am flabbergasted at the NZ Pork Industry Board continuing to keep pigs in cruel conditions and then labelling the pork 'welfare approved'. That might be legally the case but it is morally outrageous!
I was hoping that the Pork Board might actually join the rest of us in the 21st century and start looking at animal welfare after the last publicity. Instead it seems like you think you can pull the wool over our eyes and just make stupid stickers.
Sorry guys, go back to the drawing board and get some public relations advisers who can help you get over this silly behaviour I hope you fire your current advisers for this outrage. - Ruth Gerzon, 20th July 2010
Pig industry about time John Keys pulled his finger out and did something about this instead of letting his politions spend all OUR money, lets put it towards helping our pigs, instead of them all taking expensive holidays put the money they get allotted to saving OUR PIGS, every time we get all the promises in the world that this is going to happen and they always go back on their word, why do we bother even voting, because they never stick to their promises. - sonya mortensen, 20th July 2010
Please ban factory farming of pigs Factory farming pigs is cruel and should be banned.
I'm a big fan of pork - I love sausages and bacon. But I won't buy factory farmed.
NZ is seen as a clean and green country in the eyes of the rest of the world. These kind of backward, barbaric practices - outlawed in places like the UK - are an embarrassment on that image. - Dave Taylor, 14th July 2010
Innocent I don't know how you can sleep at night, knowing what your doing to these poor, innoocent beings. - Alice Butler, 6th July 2010
Stop the cruelty Stop the cruelty, you make me sick! - Richard Butler, 6th July 2010
Pork and cruelty My favourite meat is bacon, followed by pork chops, followed by pork sausages. Since I became aware of the cruel methods used in NZ, I have stopped buying pig products, except the odd pack of free range ham.
I have become even more determined since I became aware that you are intending to hoodwink the public with misleading packaging. Shame on you. Please don't underestimate my determination. I have boycotted Exxon/Mobil since the Amoco Cadiz in 1989 and Nestle for 20 years.
I am disgusted to find that pork is imported and origin and welfare policies are unknown to the consumer. That is even more disgraceful than your practices here. Maybe you ought to get the government to stop imports, rather than trying to compete by cutting costs at the expense of being cruel. - Harry Young, 21st June 2010
77% of New Zealanders want a ban on sow stalls and farrowing crates Good afternoon
I am writing to plead that the NZ Pork Industry would please ban on sow stalls and farrowing crates for mass production of pigs/pork.
I am not some crazy activist who fights for any such cause. I just care for animals and hate to see any harm done by them.
I personally being a normal kiwi consumer, do not like to buy pork any more as I have seen footage and testimonials of those who have witnessed the suffering of pigs first hand.
I now don't use pork for cooking and buy free range bacon. I think that alot of NZers would feel the same and suggest the industry should change its ways and treat the pigs fairly.
I would be prepared to pay extra money knowing that the pig is truely a happy go lucky pig that has been treated with the respect it deserves.
What compelled me to write this is that I have seen an article about how there will be special packaging "100% New Zealand Welfare Approved Pork" but as mentioned in the article I have read the current welfare code for pigs, from 2005, allows sow crates and farrow stalls.
Please be humane and consider this. You would not mistreat a sheep, cow, dog, cat, or your own child this way. What I find sad is pigs have so much personality and deserve a decent life just like the rest of us!
Please consider what I have written, and find it in your hearts to put aside corporate gains and consider a way to make things right. I myself am studying marketing and could think of an excellent marketing strategy to introduce a true animal fair pork product, which I'm sure that your marketing team could do also.
If you are reading this thinking - what a load of B.S - I have wasted my time. But I hope that you implement something to try make things right.
Even the consideration of researching what the senarios outcome would be if you did ban this horrible factory farming and you instead produced high quality NZ pork at a premuim price.
Anyway I don't mean to offend the reader at all I just want to speak for those who can't. Thank you for your time in reading this email.
Kind regards - Emma Hampton, 21st June 2010
pigs are smart I am 16 years old and haven't eaten pork since i was 8.
I am truly revolted by Factory Farming... No animal deserves to be treated in such cruelty particularly not such a smart, gentle animal... The owners of such companies have no morals and in my opinion have sold there soul. - Caitlin, 16th June 2010
NZ Pork Industry Board Along with thousands of concerned New Zealanders, I urge you to end the practice of using sow crates. Pigs can and are raised in sheltered conditions with access to sun, rain, grass and the ability to socialise in groups. Sow crates are cruelty that cannot withstand public scrutiny and it is shameful that you have not been proactive in ending it. - Vanessa May-Hanley, 10th June 2010
Cruelty Stop being mean and cruel to the pigs. Any life in this world has its own freedom to be free and live comfortably than subject to cruelty and suffering. The way pigs are reared in New Zealand is just inhuman and cruel.
STOP this nonsense for MONEY. - Vittu, 3rd June 2010
Animal Cruelty We have in New Zealand a good tradition of treating animals decently and with care and compassion, but reading about the way the pigs are treated is terrible and scary and challenging to any life in this earth. The farmers are aiming at their big pockets through selling the meat, not the cruelty they do to the poor piglets.
This cruelty should be stopped following many countries across the globe.
STOP CRUELTY TO PIGS NOW. - George A, 3rd June 2010
Abhorrent treatment of pigs I was horrified when i learned of the farming standards considered acceptable in this country, I will hereby be boycotting any pork products until such time as NZ follows suit with Europe in doing away with all intensive/battery farming practices that cause the unnecessary cruelty to animals for profit, To the animals they are the Nazis
People are slowly waking up to the atrocities committed and as more become aware of these practices there will be more public outcry , why not be proactive and avoid the PR nightmare that is inevitable with the status quo?
Yours sincerely - J Chamberlain, 30th May 2010
Pig Farming in NZ The use of Sow Crates needs to be banned in New Zealand. There is sufficient statistics to indicate that a large amount of New Zealanders support this and I am one of them.
The use of sow crates is cruel and unnatural. Pigs are very intelligent animals and are greatly affected by these cruel living conditions.
This type of pig farming is not only cruel but completely unnecessary. The cost of pig farming without sow crates is not enough to continue to put NZ pigs under these strained conditions.
Please ban the use of Sow crates in New Zealand. - Taryn Dryfhout, 29th May 2010
Pig farming Sirs
I have recently started studying for a certificate in animal welfare management at Unitec with a view to becoming an SPCA inspector. It was prior to this that I discovered the horrific truth behind how pigs a factory farmed. I am appalled that a country that boast of how green and clean it is can still allow the use of Sow crates. These are cruel and unnecessary I know people who farm there pigs free range and as such do not use these. The majority of the public if they new the truth of how these animals are kept would happily pay extra for the meat, This was proved when the truth behind battery raised chickens was made public. - Alison and Stefan Sabin-Hyde, 21st May 2010
pigs i want to stop the cruelty to pigs i think that just wrong - kelly mcalees, 20th May 2010
Torture of Pigs To the NZ Pork Industry Board members,
I no longer buy or eat pork or pork products unless they are certified farm- raised or free range. I encourage my friends and family to do the same.
I continue to be astonished that in New Zealand of all places food and torture go hand-in-hand.
Yours Sincerely - Mihera Paterson-Grace, 19th May 2010
STOP Please stop this horrible evil way of farming. This treatment towards pigs is disgusting. What makes you able to control how pigs are treated. This is morally wrong. Please stop - Ryan, 16th May 2010
Pig cruelty Hello, my name is Katie and i am 17. And i am writing this email in hope of change.I can not understand how you can allow the suffering of these beautiful creature. We as a country are seen as 'clean and green' New Zealand yet we allow such inhumane acts to be preformed.The pigs that you keep locked away in 24 hour darkness suffering from depression and unable to tend to their piglets endure a very sad and cruel life. We have no right to keep them in conditions and think it's okay so we can make extra money. Nothing is worth the torture of anything. I hope in reading this and many others that you come to sense that this is wrong and begin the process of banning this in New Zealand so we can show other countries around the world that this is never okay and give a voice to an animal that is unable to. - Katie, 12th May 2010
Sow crates It is utter cruelty, These pigs are getting locked in tiny dark cages for their lives! Imagine if you had to live like that for 1 DAY! Well its a lot worse then that for them because you would know that its only for a day but the only time the cruelty will end for them is when they DIE! Next time you order factory farmed pork thi8nk, If you order it you are just as guilty as the farmers that do it! Its unnecessary, its cruel, its mean, and it should be ILLEGAL, And just think to yourself for a few seconds, Do i really have to be a part of this, NO you don't because you can buy cruelty free pork and eating meat is ok but it shouldn't come from cruel places, Those pigs have short lives so at the least they should have good lives! FACTORY FARMING PIGS HAS TO STOP AND I AM GOING TO MAKE SURE IT DOES - Kellee, 11th May 2010
Against factory farming To whom it may concern,I along with my husband have seen the way that the pigs are being put through this wicked ill treatment on the television,we refuse to buy pork now or sausages or anything remotely connected to pigs that aren't raised in a good healthy caring environment.We ask that you reconsider just how much this suffering is going to play havoc with your own self guilt and stop this now in the name of God,do unto others as you would do unto yourselves!,every living creature has the right to live a good healthy cruelty free life. Humans feel pain and so do innocent animals , please STOP IT GOING AHEAD NOW>you wouldn't wish this on your own children would you? then think again.Thank you for reading this. - Susan Fyall, 3rd May 2010
Animal Rights for Pigs I would like you to introduce stricter standards on the treatment of pigs in your producers' farms.
As intelligent creatures, it is important that pigs are treated well, as they suffer when treated badly as do humans. - Leaf Burrows, 30th April 2010
The way pigs are kept Please stop this cruelty. Would you like to live as a factory farmed caged pig? I'm sure you wouldn't so don't let their sad lives continue this way. Just to make a buck . Humans never cease to fail in surprising me how horrible and thoughtless we can be it makes me ashamed to be human.They live horrible lives for no reason and they are so helpless to our ways. Animals are so clever and intelligent, including pigs.It breaks my heart. I don't eat any pig products because i feel so strongly on this issue. Do the right thing and have it outlawed - you have the power. It doesn't need to be this way. - Rebecca Dodunski, 30th April 2010
im totally against this i think this is horrible and im doing my class speech on this so join me and spread the message. - alison, 28th April 2010
pigs I would just like to tell you why you shouldn't have factory farming with pigs. The reason/s is because imagine if you were the pigs, getting squished into small cages, not being able to roll in mud. How would you feel? I don't think you would feel like your the luckiest pig in the world. Also I would like you to take into account that pigs have feelings. Like pain. And those pigs probably feel pain out there. - Jenny H, 24th April 2010
Stop the use of sow crates I very strongly urge you to think of the well-being of the animals whose meat is your livelihood ,and put an immediate stop to the use of sow crates. Pigs enclosed in these crates are unable to exhibit their natural behaviors, such as socialising with other pigs and moving freely. It is utterly despicable that with the knowledge of pigs' suffering under these conditions, the practise of using sow crates continues. Shame on you! - Eleanor Barron, 24th April 2010
Conditions for farmed pigs Along with thousands of concerned New Zealanders, I urge you to end the practice of using sow crates. Pigs can and are raised in sheltered conditions with access to sun, rain, grass and the ability to socialise in groups. Sow crates are cruelty that cannot withstand public scrutiny and it is shameful that you have not been proactive in ending it. - Jane Carver, 20th April 2010
stop stop the cruelty - kris, 19th April 2010
Factory farming Please listen to everyone's thoughts on the cruelty of factory pig farming, it is obvious to me that if you do not change your care of these animals then you will have no business at all before long. I have been supporting the Freedom Farms brand for at least the last 12 months because there was finally a decent choice to have about the way pigs are treated when being farmed for meat production. I will not change back, and I point it out to strangers at the supermarkets to show them that there is an alternative product to buy. As with free range chickens there is a choice now and we are sticking to it. Like I say to people...buy better quality and have a think about the kind of life the meat in front of you has had before you put it in your mouth. Hoping for a change of heart from you soon ? - Susan Hickey, 19th April 2010
Freedom Dear Sir/Madam
Imagine if you were one of those pigs, your children in cages next to you. Pigs have a brain they feel pain, pigs have eyes they see clearly, they have ears they can hear everything, they also have a heart. Where is your heart? At least give them some fresh air, sun and exercise, it's a damned pig concentration camp!
Cheers - Jessica L, 18th April 2010
Pigs are living creatures!!! don't you understand that? Like everyone else I'm sure I was shocked and horrified by the footage shown of pig farming in New Zealand, it is an embarassment that "clean, green New Zealand" takes part in this disturbing cruel practice of pig farming. Please do something about the way you treat the animals you make your money from, if you insist of killing these pigs for food you deserve to give them the best life they can possibly lead before hand. - Katie Homer, 17th April 2010
Pig Farming The recent media coverage has doomed the Pork Industry as is currently operates. Surely you must see that it is in your commercial interest to end the cruel practice of using sow crates - Adrienne Powell, 17th April 2010
Pig Farming Along with hundreds of thousands of concerned New Zelanders, I urge you to end the practice of using sow crates.
It is a cruelty that cannot withstand public scrutiny and it is shameful that you have not been proactive in ending it. - Liz Nelson, 17th April 2010
Pork and Bacon Dear Sir/Madam
After watching the recent programmes regarding the treatment of pigs in NZ, I no longer intend to buy supermarket pork/bacon as the packaging does not indicate whether the meat is from a intensive farming source that includes the barbaric use of pig pens. Please could you let me know of any brands/suppliers who do not use these methods and who treat their animals with respect, such as free range or organic pig farming.
Many thanks, - Linda Chew, 16th April 2010
PIG CRATE FARMING I have not eaten pork in any shape or form since viewing Mike Kings' expose on the disgusting and cruel practice of pig crate farming in New Zealand. This programme showed the world what really goes on here in clean, green New Zealand and the abhorrent conditions these intelligent animals are forced to live in. No wonder the piggery operated behind locked doors.
And, what an absolute farce it makes of that clean, green image that New Zealand likes to portray to the rest of the world - it makes me ashamed to call myself a Kiwi !!
- Lorraine Harman, 16th April 2010
To Factory Pig Farmers Pigs have feelings just like us, and every other animal. They have personalities and they're not stupid. They're meant to be the closest animal to humans genetically than any other animal.. You can see in the sign up video on this site that the poor pig is trying to bite through the bars of the cage... How can any one do that to an animal? How would you like it if I shoved you in a tiny as cage where you couldn't move or do anything and made you live in there like that? You wouldn't.. Don't even bother trying to defend yourself by saying no cause you'd be lying. Noone would want that so what makes you think you have the right to treat pigs like that? I'm 17 and i'm not ignorant enough to think that's right or fair, so what the hell is wrong with you? If I had the power alone to stop animal cruelty for EVERY animal I would.. It's wrong and should be banned and there should be huge consequences for people who do it.. I'd like to say a death sentence, but i'm not going to stoop to their level. - Charlotte Kendall, 16th April 2010
Pig Farming Cruelty It's Just Wrong!!! Do we need to describe why!?! Pigs should be farmed with decency, so that the life they have is pleasant and not unkind. The farming practices going on at present is torture and something I am ashamed of. As a NZ'er, we are better than this. I would rather pay more for pork that to be part of this awful behaviour.
Regards - Kath Anderson, 16th April 2010
release the pigs from this cruelty To the pork board,
This e-mail is to ask you to make the farmers release the pigs from the stalls and have them in the paddocks as all animals should be. Pigs are very intelligent and also have feelings they get depression just as humans. but also how would farmers feel confined in the stalls for a month not being able to move. They would not like it one bit They would start yelling their heads off. Other countries judge us as being fair minded and also good to our animals then please make the farmers release the pigs into the paddocks. I like my pork like everyone else but don't want to buy pork that has been cruelly treated all its life also think this out. By eating pork confined in the stalls does this increase CANCER. which is increasing rapidly here in N.Z. and overseas.
Thank you for your time and hope that the end is in sight for the pigs.
Yours faithfully, - Helen Butt, 15th April 2010
pigs i am against pig cruelty. i am against the killings of pigs to. i think it should be banned big time. i hope people will join me in the fight against pig cruelty. - kelly mcalees, 14th April 2010
Pig farming and sow stalls Dear Pork Board
Your chief executive always looks very defensive when interviewed about the practice of sow stalls and other inhumane ways of treating pigs on some farms. I suspect if he were in another job he might well agree with the sentiments of those against these practices. If your neighbour kept the family dog or cat in similar conditions, you would all be upstanding citizens and report them to the SPCA. Stop this hypocritical nonsense now, phase out sow stalls immediately and demonstrate some integrity. - Barbara Morris, 14th April 2010
Ban sow stalls To whom it may concern, an open letter to pig farmers and the NZ Industry Board
I cannot believe the arrogance of your spokesman Sam. He knows full well what the pig farmers are doing is morally and ethically wrong. The time has come for change and it is not only coming from the traditional, greenie, weird leftie!
All ages, occupations, socio economic levels are incensed that your industry thinks that in this day and age you can get away with these abhorent farming practices. Get with the times and wake up! You are arguing a debate that you will not win! Now or ever! Too many celebrities and everyday people want your outdated farming practices gone. Change or continue to face pressure from the public. There are only so many pathetic arguments you can re hash. The public are wised up now. Ignore the wishes of the public at your demise!! Get out of the industry or change now!! - Ginny Redwood, 14th April 2010
your image As a qualified chef of 15+ years I have always been irate at the conditions your "stock" are created and brought up in.
It is a plain fact that the meat tastes better when the animal is mobile and free to live their life, but this is beside the point.
It is plainly obvious that the pork and poultry industries have become nothing more than a money grabbing supply the demand monopoly, but this does not make it right. The world has been manipulated into living for pieces of paper and you are feeding the worm!!!!!!!
If you want to prove that you are an individual board and care about your "product" then you have to set an example to your world wide peers, you should be exploiting your industry peers by showing that you care for these living beings and making the nation aware that you do not support these hacks.
WAKE UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - Daniel Hickson, 14th April 2010
Hell on earth If you can not see that keeping pigs in these conditions are cruel, then there is something seriously wrong with you. What gives you the right to support this? Go for a walk through the pig factory and look into the eyes of the sows that are stuck in these tiny crates in darkness and on cold hard concrete then tell me how you feel, how you think they feel. They don't have a voice to tell you and they don't have anything to fight back with. Its like fully grown men and women against a 2yr old, unfair and disgraceful. You should be ashamed for being the cause of this suffering. - Leanna, 13th April 2010
Crate Pig farming Disgusting!!!!!!!!!!! What brand of bacon are these pigs sold to, because I won't be buying it. - J Allison, 13th April 2010
Sow crates and farrowing pens How can you on the NZ Pork Industry Board sleep at night?? I am not a way-out animal rights activist but I certainly see the way these animals are being confined for most of their miserable lives is nothing short of absolute horror and legalized cruelty - it must be stopped in New Zealand. How can you all, who have the power to make a difference to stop this, sleep at night knowing pigs are kept in these unimaginable conditions? Come on, these animals can't speak for themselves!! We wonder what you would say if you were CONFINED to these conditions? What would you say given the chance? It's a no-brainer! - Fiona Mackenzie, 13th April 2010
Against Factory Farming of Pigs Good Evening
I have recently returned to NZ after years of living overseas and was dismayed to read about the alleged cruel conditions that NZ pigs are spending their days in. By all accounts pigs are intelligent animals. In this regard, I have witnessed the anguish and terror of pigs waiting at the freezing works to be killed. This viewing rendered me vegetarian. I appreciate that I am not a customer of the NZ Pork Industry, however for those who continue to enjoy pork, it would be very much appreciated if you could assist in making the life of pigs in your associated / supplier farms free range.
Thank you. - Alison Edkins, 13th April 2010
Factory farming of pigs To Whom it may concern,
I have recently become aware of the abhorrent conditions in which factory farmed pigs are kept in this country. Sow stalls and farrowing crates are so small that the only movement allowed to confined pigs is to stand up or lie down. Confined pigs cannot turn around, let alone exercise. Clearly with such limited movement these practices prevent confined pigs from displaying normal patterns of behaviour, despite that this is a requirement under the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) (1999).
With an abundance of scientific evidence demonstrating the capacity of pigs to detect pain and discomfort, it is no longer speculation or anthropomorphism to suggest that these poor creatures are suffering as much as they appear or as one would imagine given their living conditions.
For me personally it is difficult to comprehend that we could allow such demonstrated suffering to continue for the sake of a small increase in profitability. Further, it is difficult to comprehend how these practices are still allowed when studies (i.e. Colmar Brunton poll 2002) show that the vast majority of New Zealanders wish them to be outlawed; and several European countries (i.e. the UK, Sweden, Finland, Switzerland, Denmark) have banned or committed to phasing them out, suggesting that pig farming could still be economically viable in their absence.
I am sure that all of reasonable New Zealand will be hugely grateful for anything you can do to help stop these practices.
Kind regards
- Jonathan Ruffell, 12th April 2010
Pig Cruelty How can people allow this to happen to any creature on earth? Not really sure if I can eat pork anymore anyway now. LOL. The meat can't be that good in those conditions. You'll make people sick too. This is too big!!! - Donna, 12th April 2010
Cruelty to Pigs I am so ashamed that New Zealand has allowed their farming standards to drop to the stage where we are at now regarding cruel pig crates. Why? Because of greed and unethical people who have no right to be allowed to handle animals. They only give their lives for consumers should be treated with care and respect. I have only bought free range products, Freedom Farm bacon and Havock Pork from Waimate in South Canterbury, or I would rather go without. I would like to see all pork products clearly identified. Please listen to consumers.
- Judith Meikle, 12th April 2010
petrified pigs After having watched Close Up the other night, I felt physically sick and disgusted at the way you are still treating pigs. I have been buying my bacon from Freedom Farms since last year when I first saw a programme about this barbaric practice and can't believe that it's still going on...when is it going to stop? People that treat animals this way can't have much in the way of compassion - haven't they heard of karma? Come on people...boycott all pork produce that is not free range farmed. - Lyn, 11th April 2010
Against factory farming Factory farming is intensive and the pigs do suffer. I am a vet nurse and have visited these farms. I know when an animal is stressed and suffering and these pigs are. I only buy free range bacon on occasion and have stopped buying any pork that is not free range. You need to listen to what consumers want and that is pork from humanely farmed pigs. Stop being ignorant, if other countries can do it then so can we. - Katie Duncan, 11th April 2010
Pigs To the members of the pork board,
It does not matter what you do or say, sow crates in any shape or form are cruel, barbaric and inhumane. I truly believe anyone in this nasty business should be utterly ashamed of themselves. For people to put the mighty dollar above animal welfare appalls me. Please stop it. - Gillian Bicknell, 11th April 2010
Pig cruelty These terrible living conditions for pigs need to be changed, its cruel, not natural and I will no longer eat pork after seeing what has been seen on TV. - Karen Crozier, 10th April 2010
Campaign to ban cruel pig farming practices's To whom it may concern
I have watched and read for 'some time' on the cruel and inhumane treatment of pigs in commercialized farming of them. And as always it leaves me feeling so sad and lost for words to help me understand why 'many' - pig farmers and maybe 'some' pork board members permit this practice to proliferate in our country. I can honestly say that I've not brought bacon for years for the above reasons. Please, I implore you to help stamp out this inhumane treatment of pig's.
Sincerely - Beverley Tihi, 10th April 2010
Factory farmed Pigs Dear Sam McIvor
"Evil prevails when good men do nothing" I'm not sure when that saying evolved but it certainly gave the world pause in 1945 when the American military entered the death and concentration camps of Dachau, Auschwitz, Sachsenhausen etc. "Never again" was the next thought. It still amazes the world that those SS camp commandants could enjoy an overabundant table, live in undreamt of luxury and adore their children while having no feeling whatsoever for millions of Jewish men, women and children. The modern person looks at the those times and cannot understand what sort of human can live and enjoy such a split existence. Are there any comparisons today, if we change the victims from innocent Jews to innocent pigs? To know of such unbelievable, planned cruelty, and to defend it, is beyond the most basic understanding of most people of this country.
Intensive factory farming of pigs, with dead piglets left beside live piglets, a nursing mother whose NATURAL instinct is to nestle and snuggle her young yet is forced into a position where the only contact available to her and her young are her exposed teats and then have her piglets torn away; to deprive these beautiful, highly intelligent animals of sunlight, grass, straw and enough food - they are ALWAYS hungry - is an abomination. There is NO defense - as simple as that. Perhaps you and your pig farmers are waiting until the last person in NZ finally gives up eating pork products because they are so disgusted with the mind-boggling cruelty involved in producing their ham or bacon. Either that or the way their pig products have been produced has made them too sick to digest pig meat anymore. You can prevent this - and the despicable practice of sow and farrowing crates. Evil will then be addressed because one good man has done something!
Please listen. This is NOT emotive - it is FACT. New Zealand is appalled and abhors this practice that you and your Vet condone and defend. - Ann-Marie Jacobs-Brown, 10th April 2010
Intensive Pigs Every time this business rears its ugly head my heart bleeds for the pigs that are obviously suffering and I am filled with shame that a country like NZ doesn't do something about it. If we treated our sheep and cattle like that we would be prosecuted and probably banned from keeping them in future. How do you sleep at night?
The vet you use to back you up on TV does you no favours at all and in my opinion brings shame on to the Veterinary Profession. You underestimate the power of the consumer, as a family we no longer eat any pig products and probably never will again, we also do not consume any intensive poultry products and I daresay if cubicle dairy farming comes in we'll have to resort to Oat Milk etc.
If the Pig Industry got its act together and was seen to be GENUINELY dealing with these cruelty issues I am sure the NZ public would be only to happy to petition the Government into restricting Pig imports to those grown under NZ welfare standards, instead the Pig Industry seems to enjoy patronising and thereby alienating its
customers and New Zealanders as a whole. There can be no justification for factory farming. - Fiona and John Gardner, 9th April 2010
pig farming This is supposed to be a civilised country, but with methods like this we stay in the previous century. We do not purchase pork in any form apart from free range now and are encouraging friends and others to do likewise. How about setting a good example to the children of the future instead of allowing barbarians to continue to abuse animals in this way. Shame on you for condoning such conditions - I would love to put you guys in cages and see how you like it. - carolyn, roy and alex geary, 9th April 2010
I expect better from New Zealand Dear Sir/Madam
I am completely appalled and deeply saddened by the treatment of pigs in factory farms that has recently come to light.
It appears that some farms in particular are managed utterly poorly and make what is already an unkind way to raise an animal simply and utterly unacceptable.
I URGE you to take action against not only these farmers, but to put a STOP to factory farming pigs all together. We would not accept such treatment of any other farm animals or pets, and I can't understand why this has been overlooked for so long.
I will not be buying factory farmed pork products again.
Sincerely - Catherine Boseley, 9th April 2010
animal abuse Congratulations. You have put me off buying pork you have anything to do with.The state of the farms shown on Close Up was disgusting and you sit there and defend the farmers for the sake of a buck. Wouldn't be ironic if you came back as a pig in your next life and ended up in one of your disgusting holes. - Steve Davidson, 9th April 2010
More Freedom Farms for pigs please Hello,
I have made a conscious decision to ONLY buy bacon and pork products from ecologically aware humane pork farmers like Freedom Farms. It costs several dollars more for these products but I am willing to pay this, or not consume pork raised under cruel barbaric situations. This is what it comes down to. Consumer choice.
I do this with eggs too. A smart farmer would change with the times and realise that they can tap a whole new market in freedom farming. Thank you. - L Rowe, 9th April 2010
Pig Farming Dear people at the NZ Pork Industry Board,
Animals have rights in New Zealand and I think it is a joke that you have got away with factory farming pigs for as long as you have. You are proving that our justice system is a joke and something not to be taken seriously.
I no longer buy pork products for my family or to take to friends bbqs. That is 8 more people who will no longer be buying from you. I don't know what that means to you, but it means a lot to me.
Sincerely yours, - Nina Kelly, 8th April 2010
free range pigs Let us be the pioneers in the world ,let us stop the cruelty towards pigs( chicken..) and add another good image to NZ.GREEN,CLEAN and fair.Free range pork meat will be a fantastic export opportunity in Europe. - Joerg A., 8th April 2010
Free range Tena koutou
Obviously everyone would chose free range if the cost was the same. If all pigs are free range in NZ the cost will be the same. What is the delay - sounds like the big players are feeling threatened, because people will stop buying as much for a while when the costs go up. This will give the farmers an opportunity to compete ethically and realistically. Please be open and ethical - here is an opportunity to prove yourselves (and hopefully sleep better). Ban every form of factory farming quickly. - Karen Fletcher, 8th April 2010
COMPLETELY against sow crates Wouldn't things be different if you found YOURSELF locked in a crate/cage 24hours a day.
Think about it.
If it was you locked in there would that be ok? Where is your conscience?
Please please stop treating animals as if they have no value other than your profit.
It is just unacceptable. - Terry Wano, 8th April 2010
treatment of pigs Dear Pork Board
I write to request that pigs are treated more humanely in our country. They are intelligent animals who do not deserve the cruel imprisonment they are so often subject to. I implore you to revise the standards by which they are treated. Many thanks - Esther Leigh, 8th April 2010
it's all about money Clean, green New Zealand - what a load of rubbish .You should be ashamed of yourselves the way you treat your animals, but you don't care as long as you get the big bucks at the end of their lives. How about culling people we have far too many of them and most don't deserve to be alive anyway. So can i put you lot in a cage,boy would i enjoy your suffering and cries for help and i would gladly watch you for awhile and laugh then walk away and leave you to it in your nice crowded little pen for most of your life until it was time to eat you. - lynne cooke, 7th April 2010
Factory Farming of Pigs The NZ Pork Industry Board
We no longer buy supermarket pork, bacon or ham since becoming aware of the conditions which your board allows pigs to be kept in. We now only buy organic and/or free range bacon, pork and ham. Susan was aware of the situation a long time ago and did not support the 'factory pig farming industry', however since becoming aware of the situation recently through the controversy in 2009, Alec has also stopped supporting factory farming of pigs by refusing to buy any of the products. We will not be buying any more factory pork, bacon or ham under any circumstances, and we require your Board to ban these cruel practices.
Yours faithfully, - susan and alec miller, 6th April 2010
Sow crates and factory farming of pigs I am totally opposed to sow crates and factory farming of pigs in New Zealand (and indeed in any other part of the world). However as a consumer in New Zealand I can make a difference. This difference has been that I no longer purchase any pork products and will not do so until the cruel and barbaric practices of some pig farmers are outlawed.
I believe that pork sales, particularly over the usual buoyant Christmas period were considerably down on previous years. Time, as business men, you learnt that sometimes a nation will decide on ethical grounds not to purchase a cruelly manufactured product! - Shirley Hughes, 6th April 2010
farming pigs I really enjoy pork especially bacon but I try and avoid all products containing pork and very rarely eat bacon because of the cruel and tortourous ways pigs are treated in NZ. If pork was more readly available free range then I would be eating it on a regular weekly basis even if it was more expensive rather than a few times a year. - Kate Morgan, 6th April 2010
Intensive Pig Farming Intensive Pig Farming is illegal and in breach of The Animal Welfare Act
Pigs are intelligent animals like dogs and suffer an enormous amount of stress when kept in such a small confined area that they CANNOT EVEN TURN AROUND.
Intensive Pig Farming is in breach of sections 4, 9 & 10 of the Act as the pigs behaviour needs are not being met and their physical health suffers as a consequence. - Naomi Cramer, 6th April 2010
pigs Well! after reading through ALL the emails you have received I am not only disgusted with your actions and response to inhuman treatment of pigs,but I have to say how come nothing has changed in your attitude.At the same time,if these emails have been sent for all this time,how come the Government has not done something about it before now.well done to all you lovely people out there who have sent emails.it is lovely to know there are humans out there who are humane.you have given me hope.PLEASE think about those pour mama pigs out there in a cold steel crate while you are tucked up in your warm bed,and your babies able to come to you for comfort in the night and change this horrible practice. here's hoping. - jenny loft, 6th April 2010
Pigs cruelty is not on Come on people. No one wants to see another living creature suffer like this. Do the right thing. Factory farming is not the way to go. - Hartej, 6th April 2010
pig farming hello,
i would just like to say how cruel pig farming is. pigs have feelings as well.
- leigh, 5th April 2010
Please treat pigs better Please implement policies that ensure better and kinder ways of treating pigs.In this day and age there is no reason to mistreat or be cruel, people sometimes become complacent and its systems and process and policy that farms need implemented because people will take short cuts otherwise.
Kind Regards - Tracy , 4th April 2010
Love Pork, Love Pigs, please free range you pigs. I love pork and love pigs, as my family and many others we eat only home reared or free range. - Claire McTernan, 29th March 2010
Pig Stalls Over 15 years ago we farmed pigs at Eketahuna. Initially we farmed them outdoors and farrowed them in huts. Although the weaners were very healthy and grew like mushrooms, we did lose a number in the huts. We then farmed on sawdust and began using farrowing pens. Farrowing pens are a necessary evil to be economic because unfortunately sows do lie on piglets by mistake. BUT I absolutely do NOT believe that sows should have to be in them any longer than it takes to farrow safetly and for a short time afterwards. THIS IS A FACT. Pig crates are CRUEL and pigs are INTELLIGENT ANIMALS. - Beverley Slako, 28th March 2010
factory farmed pigs It is inhumane to keep an animal caged and farmed in a pen. Animals should have the right to live walk outdoors in the open. - Kayleigh, 27th March 2010
Sow crates et al You have already lost this argument. All of Europe and an ever increasing area of North America has banned sow crates. Step out of the Fuhrer Bunker,smell the roses,be gracious and accept the changes almost upon you. - PETER ROBIN JAMIESON, 27th March 2010
keeping pigs in cruel and barbaric conditions Until this industry gets it's house in order this is one Kiwi who will not buy pork. - Dave Head, 27th March 2010
Stop Pig Cruelty To whome it may concern,
My name is Tamara and im 18 years old. I have been eating pork all my life. About 3 months ago I was exposed to an absolutely appalling video about NZ Pig Farming. It was horribly cruel and fully changed my view of the farming industry. After witnessing the cruel conditions the pigs were in and the small space they were living in for all their lives, I have became a vegetarian. I couldn't stand the thought of innocent pigs being tortured the way they were in the farm industries. My family has not become vegetarian like me but they have started eating ONLY free range meat. I am also spreading the word around to everyone else about the cruel conditions the pigs are in and changing the minds of people's choices about buying farming products. I am proud to say I have already changed the minds of 5 families that will never ever buy farming products again.
It would really really really make me extremely happy if the pig industry would change its ways of handling pigs and treating them. Please consider my letter.
Thanks - Tamara, 27th March 2010
cruel pig farming dear nz pork board,
please support the ban on farms that continue to use the barbaric and intensely cruel practice of crating and stalls that prevent pigs from demonstrating their natural behaviours. I am sure that meat that is produced in a non toxic and more natural environment will be reflected in the things you value most in pork - good quality, taste and increased sales. I am vegetarian but would assume that there is a market for produce that is not produced under barbaric circumstances. - bronwyn street, 26th March 2010
Pigs Just a little note to tell you of our continuing disgust at the treatment of pigs. We have not eaten pork for years and will never eat this type of pork EVER. I have friends also who will not eat it either no matter how many times it is advertised. - L Short, 25th March 2010
Re: pig farming I am so upset with the way N.Z people can accept this type of behavior for these pigs in crates. How can you look at them in the crates and say it's o.k, without feeling like you want to cry or rescue all of them??
Anybody that allows this is not a human being,you wouldn't allow this for your own dogs or cats, so why should this be happening for these poor helpless pigs. I guess in the end it all comes down to money hungry,selfish people that can accept this behavior. Karma will one day rain upon your heads!!! I can promise you that!!! - Karla, 24th March 2010
Ban intensive pig farming. Keeping large numbers of pigs confined in pens is wrong and keeping sows in farrowing crates is cruel. Even our worst human criminals are kept in luxury. What was the crime these poor pigs committed. Using the excuse of having to use these methods to remain economically viable is a myth, pure greed and lack of imagination is the problem. Shame on you pork board, pigs are highly intelligent and clean animals and deserve your protection. - Helen Jenkins, 23rd March 2010
Pig farms Please help to stop factory farming of pigs in New Zealand. I do not buy pork or bacon that is not cage free.
It is a cruel barbaric practice and should be allowed in NZ. It is already banned in UK. What kind of legacy would you like to leave in the world? We are all here to help others. Including pigs. Thanks. - Sue Wallis, 22nd March 2010
Factory farming of pigs I am opposed to factory farming of pigs, because it is down right cruel to the sows, because they do not have any room to move around freely and spend time outside like pigs are meant to do. Pigs have feelings too and their feelings and welfare should be taken into account before what is less expensive for the person farming the pigs this way. Free the pigs and give them freedom to move and run around outside and be happy pigs. Thanks. - Tanya Kelso, 20th March 2010
Pork Myself and a lot of my friends are only wanting to buy free range (non-factory farmed) pork however it is impossible to tell at the supermarket what types of pork are free range or not can you please introduce some system eg a sticker to make this possible before we are forced to boycott pork altogether
thank you - sarah blackie, 17th March 2010
cruelty to animals This is a note to inform you that my children, siblings, husband and I have all decided to only buy free farmed pork products from now on. As a financial stand against cruel current practices of farming. - Katarina Stojanovic, 17th March 2010
Stop factory farming of pigs I grew up with pigs and had a pet pig we eventually ate but unlike factory farming of pigs they were free to roam the farm and had a happy life. Factory farming is cruel and should be banned completely! - Whakarongotai Nikora, 16th March 2010
Should know better Come on, it's 2010. Pigs should not be suffering like this in this day and age. I don't need to tell you what to do, You already know. I refuse to eat Pork, and encourage other people not to eat it too! You lose customers, and that can't be good. - Awhina Wallace, 14th March 2010
cruelty to pigs about time you tried living in the stalls and feel what its really like. - kevin curry, 13th March 2010
vote with your purse I am voting with my purse. As the mother of a family of 5, I decide how our food budget is spent - and for the past six months none of it has been spent on pork or pork products, except for NZ free-range bacon.
This will remain the case until cruel pig-farming practices are banned in New Zealand.
This is despite the fact that NZ pork had previously been our Sunday roast of choice, and bacon sandwiches the entire family's biggest treat of the week.
My children's school is currently babysitting an orphaned piglet: the children and many parents are enchanted with it and care deeply for its wellbeing. My point is that public awareness and concern for pig welfare is growing and even our children are questioning the ethics of meat production and asking for change.
The issue of crate-farming is not going to go away; the pork board needs to address it urgently. - Moana Dawson, 13th March 2010
Stop Stop killing pigs Meanys!!!!!! - Gracie Benn, 10th March 2010
pig farming Hello,
I've seen the SAFE ads on tv and have been looking into pig farming practices in NZ and am no longer going to eat pork products. I'm really disappointed that our pigs are treated so badly and I don't want to be a part of it anymore.
Thank you. - Angela Neugebauer, 5th March 2010
Cruelty to pigs Please stop allowing cruelty to animals. Let animals be free in a natural environment! Money is not everything. This is not China, it's "clean green NZ" why is this even allowed her!!! - Corry Zee, 5th March 2010
Against factory farming of Pigs My family and I urge you to outlaw keeping pigs in cruel and barbaric conditions.It is inhumane. Shame on your organisation! - Francesca Brice, 3rd March 2010
cruelty to animals. Dear Pork Industry Board. Isn't it about time you thought about Karma. Being on a lifestyle block I keep, kill and eat my own livestock but this is easily achieved without cruelty to the animal. What you are doing is wrong and you know it. Good luck to you in your next life. - Grant Turner, 2nd March 2010
please consider reading this ! Dear Pork industry board of NZ,
I ask you that you please consider changing the condition of the way Pigs are kept before becoming food. I understand that they will be made into Pork, so before they die I believe that it is right for them to have the best life they could've had. I'm 15, and you probably wouldn't listen to a 15 year old just because I don't like the conditions of the way these animals live in. However please understand that these Pigs have brains, and feelings. NZ would love to know that the Pork they are eating isn't coming from dirty, crammed up cages, but they have come from a clean farm in good conditions. I ask that you please talk to the Board about this, and the Government, and i ask that you would please change the way these Pigs are living.
Sincerely, - Mallory McKegney, 2nd March 2010
cruel sow pig rearing crates I am concerned that your Pork Board are so heartless and uncaring... and wonder how they relate to other females, in their lives. I have ceased buying pork until I hear your Board has intelligently and caringly reformed their sow pig living conditions. Have a heart. - Pat, 1st March 2010
Factory Farm Please help to stop factory farming of pigs in New Zealand. I do not buy pork or bacon that is not cage free.
It is a cruel barbaric practice and should be allowed in NZ. It is already banned in UK. What kind of legacy would you like to leave in the world? We are all here to help others. Including pigs. Thanks.
- Cath Harkins, 28th February 2010
Be nice to pigs To Whom it may concern,
please ban sow crates, it is so very mean to keep pigs in them.
I am never going to buy pork products from a supermarket again until I am assured that sow crates are not used.
Thank you - Cindy Cunningham, 26th February 2010
There are other ways Hello,
this message is sent from a family who raise pigs and sell them at markets as free range pork. We have a very small (minute!) operation running compared to the "real" pig farmers. We understand how much it costs to rear pigs and then to get the pork processed etc..it is very hard to make a business from this. I know how marginal the exercise is - we get a premium price for our free range pork - I don't understand how the "real" pig growers manage to make a profit based on supermarket prices. However - all that said, it doesn't excuse the practices that some of your members use.
I believe that one way forward could be to focus on ensuring that the imported very cheap pork is not allowed into NZ - we have heard horror stories of it arriving in NZ at $2kg. Goodness only knows what the pigs have been fed or how they have been treated. I know that the days of protectionism are long gone - but, if there was a reasonable animal health code agreed at for pigs, could we not push to ensure that that code was also applied to the imported pigs? That way, the dodgy producers (be they from overseas or here in NZ)would have to improve what they do, and we could then guarantee to the people of NZ that they can eat pork that has been humanely treated. This could end the price wars that both farmers and pigs suffer from.
Lets look for other options - pigs are way too special animals to be treated badly. There must be another way around this. - Deb Butterfield, 25th February 2010
cruelty Your businesses will not be getting any money of mine anytime soon. You turn my stomach with your indifference to animal welfare, and your obvious greed. How do you sleep? - Richie Geismar, 25th February 2010
cruelty to pigs Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to convey my hopes that the cruelty to pigs which your board condones will be stopped.
The use of sow crates is archaic and barbaric and no longer necessary. Consumers are willing to pay a small amount more for the extra cost that would enable farmers to avoid their use. If there are people who claim not to be able to afford a price increase, then there are other protein products available to them. Pigs are intelligent and sensitive animals and people are no more willing to ignore this. Please take action now. Kind Regards, - anna-mareia hammond, 25th February 2010
For the love of animals Looking at the footage of some of the farms, how can anyone call that "humane" ?
Just because the pigs aren't bleeding and screaming you call that "not cruel" and "acceptable housing" ? Have you fallen that far and lost your humanity that completely ?
Imagine if your families had to live like that...
NZ is known world wide as the green country that is pro-animal rights. Yet the NZ Pork Industry seems to conveniently ignore that and break down our international image.
Think of the damage this is doing to our international image and what impact that has on the NZ economy in the long run...
And then I have not even touched on animal rights and the fact that animals have feelings and emotions as well.
After watching the SAFE adds and News reports, our household has made a point of being pork free. While I might miss my bacon, I think it is definitely worth it.
And as more and more people stop eating pork, due to the way the Pork Industry treats the animals, they are doing more harm to their own profit than anything else...
Peace out.
- Renier, 24th February 2010
Crate Farming This is obvious cruelty to any animal and anyone involved with pigs knows thet are some what smarter than your average chicken or sheep and are quite obviously psychologically affected by these disturbing conditions.
Get your act together and ban this practice. - Jane Dickson, 21st February 2010
Pig Farms Hi there,
Just wanted to ask a question to those who feel it is appropriate to keep pigs in such conditions: Would you like to live your whole life in a stall that's not even big enough for you to turn around in, be artificially inseminated and then moved to a slightly bigger stall to them have your babies, have them taken away from you, and then back into the original tiny stall? This is not right, where is the compassion? Please, this has to stop.
Regards, - Roxanne Margot, 14th February 2010
Factory farming/pig crates. To whom it may concern.
After researching intensive pig farming in this country, especially in regard to sow crates and indoor confinement, my household will no longer be buying or consuming non free range pork products. Furthermore, I am informing friends and family of the poor animal welfare standards in the piggery industry and advising them to boycott it's products. Many members of my extended family and friends have already taken this step.
I have a lot of experience in animal husbandry and am satisfied that there is no possible animal welfare benefit in crating and confining pigs, and that these things are done solely to financially benefit the farmers involved.
Please think about reforming your animal welfare standards; the general community is appalled at what is emerging in the media about pig treatment and factory farming and this will certainly have a negative impact on your industry at large, with attitudes toward animal welfare changing dramatically. Liberate the pigs and ultimately, help yourselves out.
Cheers - Kelly , 4th February 2010
Animal Love Hello there
I have always eaten pork - and never questioned one brand over the other - usually going for whatever is cheaper.
From now on, after seeing some of the footage that SAFE has, I will never buy any pork products that do not come from Freedom Farms or free range farms.
I think those people that let pigs, or any animals be treated in this manner should look in the mirror and assess their depth of character. It is disgusting. Especially being in a country who has many firsts, and so much to be proud of. Imagine how fantastic it would be to announce to the world - we are the first country to have no factory farmed pigs. It would make us all very proud. If you would like to have something good to read also, please give Eating Animals a read (Jonathan Safran Foer) it's his story of vegetarianism (and I am not a vego and I loved it) and it talks a lot about factory farming and the animals we choose to eat. Thanks for reading me, if you got this far. - Emma, 28th January 2010
pig cruelty What we saw on TV about the treatment of pigs is just disgusting. Are we a first world country or what??? Since this has been brought to our attention, none of my family will eat pork. I hope the people who are getting rich by treating animals like this, will see their butts and come horribly short. Same with those wanting to put cows in cubicles - may they rot in hell. - Janine Ferreira, 27th January 2010
Ban cruel farming PLEASE DO THE RIGHT THING and ban cruel pig farming practices, sow crates in particular. It is well documented that pigs are intelligent creatures. They don't deserved to be tortured. As the case of Mike King so blatantly shows, that when people actually see how cruel your intensive farming is, they are generally disgusted and never want to eat your pork products again. We only eat free range pork. - Rik & Amy Bazeley, 24th January 2010
Cruelty to Pigs Just imagine someone put you inside a cage which is not big enough for you to turn around. You cannot exercise. You cannot hug your family (you don't know where they are). There is nothing to think about except whether or not someone will come along and feed you. And you cannot get out. Ever. If any one did this to a human being, it would be torture. Please stop doing this to intelligent animals. Give pigs a decent life. - Jane Anderson, 22nd January 2010
Oh My Gosh! Oh my GOSH! i just watched the videos of the pig farms; it broke my heart and i cried at the pure cruelty of it all- to see a mother pig unable to interact with her young- we are taking away so much from her and her piglets; their relationship, sanity, and natural instincts. i feel sick in the stomach after watching that and i'll never be the same- a piece of me died- my trust in people, and it was replaced by the disgust i now have for the human race. - Gemma Ngarita Cole, 21st January 2010
free the pigs Please end this suffering- we take so much from our animals and yet have such a lack of respect for them. i'm surprised that they survive in such an environment- a child would simply die from lack of stimulation and movement- it would drive an adult to insanity. how can we allow this to happen to any living creature? it's truly heart braking. your probably thinking- they are just pigs! but they are living, they have a right to movement and a good life before death- before feeding us. please- please take another look. - Gemma Ngarita Cole, 21st January 2010
cruel you know full well that treating pigs the way you do is cruel, so stop it. you are just money-grubbing at a cost far too high. all animals deserve to be treated fairly. i hope karma smiles upon you. - natalie jarman, 20th January 2010
Treat pigs with dignity To whom it may concern,
From someone neither a vegetarian nor an animal rights activist:
I am concerned at the suffering of pigs in factory farms in NZ, particularly sows kept in stalls. You cannot make assurances that pigs in NZ factory farms are treated alright - the excesses of the industry are well-documented.
This clashes with our clean green image, and we, as a nation, cannot condone this while at the same time criticising other countries for their support of the whaling industry. It is time we went the way of Finland, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Denmark, the United Kingdom and Sweden, and banned these contraptions that cause so much suffering to sentient beings like these.
The profit motive is not a great enough justification for the treatment of these intelligent and social creatures. - Stanley Layzell, 20th January 2010
Factory Farming I just wanted to say thank you. Thank you for making me become a vegetarian. It's people like you that made me realize that eating animals is not worth it, seeing how they exist while on death row has made them taste really bad. I will do my bit and try to convince those poor brainwashed souls to become vegan, vegetarian or at the very least switch to free range eggs, free range pork, chickens and every other poor animal you humans feel the need to terminate. So thanks again, i only wish i had been aware sooner. Better late than never. - Glendene Henderson, 19th January 2010
How can we tell? I have viewed the ads on television about not buying factory farmed pork, but what I want to know is how can we tell what is and what isn't factory farmed pork? I have not seen on any product anything to tell me. Would it not be beneficial for your campaign to go out to stores and put information stickers on products? So don't judge me if I do but factory farmed pork when I have completely no idea where to get it from! - Richard Willshire, 18th January 2010
Pork Farming It is ironic that the Dairy industry has recently recieved so much publicity about keeping dairy cows in sheds when the pork industry has been allowed to keep it pigs in far worse conditions for so long. It is time to change, pigs are highly intelligent animals and should be treated with the respect they deserve. It is also disgusting that as a consumer it is so hard to go to the supermarket and find it so difficult to interpret the labelling, it should be easy to purchase none factory farmed pork. I would like to see the industry pro-active in making changes.
Your Sincerely - Nicola Lewis, 18th January 2010
Factory Farming This is a practice so obviously wrong, barbaric, unnecessary and outdated that I am amazed that the New Zealand pork industry still feels the need to indulge in it. However, I hope you will see your way to cancelling the current legal action and proving that there is some thoughtfulness and compassionate responsibility in your organisation. - Dr S Jansson, 17th January 2010
FACTORY FARMING You treat pigs inhumanely and force them to live in disgusting conditions. We the consumer have a choice and will boycott your products. I now only buy pork from Freedom Farms, regardless of price. You are the loosers - and hopefully will go out of business. Forever. - Chris Brown, 14th January 2010
Surely there's a better way?! Dear NZ Pork Industry Board,
Previously I was pretty ignorant to the practices involved in pig crate farming but upon learning what's involved I simply cannot hide my disgust, disdain and complete astonishment at the way these animals are treated. Torture and cruelty sum it up. Keeping humans in these kinds of miserable and barbaric conditions would be considered inhumane so why can you justify treating animals this way?
My family will NEVER eat or purchase factory farmed pork, ham or bacon again. What's more I recently purchased some free range bacon and though it was more expensive it was worth every cent! The meat actually tasted so much better, I actually couldn't believe the difference. It's time to change your practices. People are waking up to this atrocity and action needs to be taken on the industry's part to rectify this inhumane treatment of pigs.
Kind Regards, - Amy Jones, 14th January 2010
Sow Crates and Factory Farming Dear Board Members,
By now you should have had time to see the abhorrence expressed by the New Zealand public that we live in a country which expresses such cruelty and greed.
I don't eat meat however am taking every opportunity to send information and talk to friends, colleagues etc who do, to urge them to refrain from buying your products.
I delight in the fact that for every email you receive there are now many more people who are electing not to buy pork.
Please respond to my email and explain how you as a Board have considered the requests from the public to adopt humane practices. - Bev Pownall, 14th January 2010
justified? cruelty to animals is never justifiable, not even in industry. - bernard devaux, 14th January 2010
animal - our friends Dear friends:
What will you feel when you are one of these pigs who are kept in such a restricted crate for whole miserable and short life?
How do you feel if you might be killed anytime and sliced to make a plate of food? We have variety kinds of vegetables and fruits which are so tasty and much more nutritious. It is not necessary to kill other sentient beings who have senses and emotions in order to survive and stay healthy. They also have their own families. maybe they have kids or mum or dad. how we have the heart to hurt them and seperate them from their love ones while they so lovly and do no harm to us?
It is said in the Bible," meat for the belly, and belly for meat. but God shall destroy both it and them." and "Thou shall not kill" - Dandan, 14th January 2010
Your methods!! WHEN OH WHEN ARE YOU GOING TO GET THE MESSAGE THAT CRATE PIG /FACTORY PIG FARMING IS C R U E L! AND CHANGE TO FREE RANGE FARMING!!!????
It does not matter HOW YOU DRESS UP YOUR PATHETIC ARGUMENT THAT; 'FACTORY / CRATE PIG FARMING IS OK'.....it's NOT!
IT'S PLAIN CRUEL AND YOU ARE GREED DRIVEN! YOU ARE GIVING NZ A REAL BAD NAME!
GET REAL! - joan camps-campins, 13th January 2010
Please think!! Kia ora,
Please think about making changes in how you do business! I have a large family and we never ever buy factory farmed pork again. What you do is cruel and offensive and is done for money , karma will get you ! - Lynda Butterfield, 13th January 2010
You pigs "You pigs" is an insult to real pigs.
There are no excuses, treatment of all animals - destined for the table or not - must be humane.
The question is not "if" things will change, but when. Pig farmers and pig farming are destined to be forced to change. So, please make the changes NOW. In the end it will make little difference to you to do so. It will make colossal difference to the animals now suffering and languishing in your hands. Imagine yourself being captive in such cruel and disgusting conditions. Imagine. And we wonder why humans are cruel to other humans too. Take a long hard look at yourself, at what you do. That it's currently 'legal' doesn't for a second make it right and you must know that.
In your hearts, surely you know what's right. - Anne Capon, 13th January 2010
End It Now! Hello,
I have been a vegetarian for almost my entire life, but have only recently become aware of the SHOCKING conditions that both chickens and pigs are kept in.
It is absolutely cruel, appalling and sickening to keep pigs this way. Clearly all you care about is the bottom line, and any way to cut costs and increase profits is ok with you.
You are loathsome cowards, and like many others on this site, I wonder how you sleep at night.
I do believe in God, and while I wouldn't presume to say what He will do to you, I hope and pray that He opens your eyes, and brings His mercy, for these suffering and helpless pigs, into your hearts. - Anna Brunette, 13th January 2010
Thank God for Freedom Farms I'd been aware of the horrendous lives that pigs lead in NZ, but was SO pleased when it came to national attention.
Mike King got my respect again when he listened to what SAFE had to say.
This year I bought my first Freedom Farms ham for our family Christmas lunch. It was slightly more expensive, but after just watching further NZ footage of a pig farm, I know I made the right choice.
My partner (a 'kiwi' bloke, truck driver etc), now won't eat factory farmed pork either.
Slowly, the collective conscience will choose ethical over cruelty, and you will be forced to listen to your consumers.
Wouldn't it make financial sense to listen sooner rather than later?
- Alli Jackson, 13th January 2010
Pig cruelty To whom it may concern,
It is very upsetting seeing the cruel conditions in which pigs are kept. I congratulate Mike King is having the courage to speak up.
I personally have taken pork, bacon and ham off the menu at our place. Our neighbours are also in support and have done the same.
I urge you to consider giving pigs a better, happier life (albeit a short one) and ensuring their conditions are better.
Regards - Lisa Clarke, 13th January 2010
Factory farmed pigs. To whom it may concern,
Imagine what YOUR life would be like being kept in these conditions, and then ask yourself if it's ok or not.
Is money really worth what you are doing to these innocent animals?
I am not against the sale of meat products, but I am against the barbaric conditions in which these animals are held.
I will never again buy pork. I hope your part in this cruelty weighs heavy on your conscience and may the sound of screaming pigs keep you from sleep.
There is no hope for a world which allows such things as this when there is no need. - S. Fraser, 12th January 2010
stop the torture When will torturing intelligent animals for profit end ?
you are being part of a industry that could change for the better, but chooses to ignore the problems of intensive farming for the short term gains. This needs to stop by changing the way pigs are farmed for the better banning crates and pens the public will respond by buying the new products. just look at the success of other free farmed and free range products all ready on the market.
- Russell Masters, 12th January 2010
COME ON!!! Show some goddam empathy for these poor animals!
How would you feel if you or anyone you loved was forced into a life of abuse simply because of what you were.
I thought this was a joke at first because I could not believe Any New Zealander would let this continue.
You people are contributing to the suffering of poor animals.Please do the right thing and stop this from happening - caitlin, 11th January 2010
GET THIS.... ... NOW is the time to take responsibility and start REPLYING to all these messages in support of free-range pig farming.
The public have spoken, you have heard MORE than enough from the pork consuming population and how they feel about this. You don't need to pay for fancy research groups and discuss labelling requirements. Jeeeezzzz... these are simply stalling tactics, procedures that will inevitably drag this out longer than is necessary. The time for change is NOW!
You leave this for too long and the public will find permanent alternatives to eating pork and your industry will be facing very tough times. Never mind the recession... that would be a doddle in comparison to pork consumers voting with their conscience and their own feet and investing their hard earned dollar elsewhere to feed their family.
My personal view also is that you might be doing damage to the meat industry in general, i.e. beef and lamb. Since learning about pig farming in NZ, out of interest, i've delved into other areas of farming and the process of meat production. It makes for upsetting viewing.
I suggest people in support of free-range pig farming google 'abattoirs' and see exactly how your meat (in general) is produced. You will be turned off meat immediately! It's not just about how animals are farmed, it's about the disrespect and ill treatment they receive before/during their slaughter.
I am looking forward to a reply to this email (and the other two i have sent on previous occasions). This isn't going away, so you might as well take immediate action to change things. - Jude Bowman, 6th January 2010
pigs My Name is sarah and I"m 7 Years old. I would like to help save the pigs. I have done a poster that i'm going to put up at school and I made a video on the computer. We have also given money to the SAFE people outside the super market. SAFE's advert on TV made me cry so I thought I could help - Sarah Weggery, 29th December 2009
Homegrown! It has been a long time since we as a family have purchased Pork from the shops and after seeing these videos, we never will purchase from the shops again if this is where the pigs are kept- it is quite simply cruel and disgusting.
We are fortunate enough to have a few acres and we grow our own meat and veggies. Our pigs are happily roaming 5 acres, wallowing in mud baths when it is hot, digging about for roots and enjoying yummy scraps from our kitchen. They have a personality, they play together, they even go for the evening walk with the dogs with us!
Although we usually purchase piglets, we did buy a pregnant sow who gave birth to 12 healthy piglets earlier in the year. She had lots of room and we found her very nurturing and caring, she really looked after each and every piglet very well. They are very caring and intelligent animals.
It is always hard to say goodbye when their time comes, but their life was VERY happy and we manage to feed our children healthy free range meat that has been fattened naturally and slowly. Our children have an understanding and respect for animals that they are to be treated well whilst alive.
We have free range chickens, cows and sheep too!
I fully support SAFE in their quest to be a voice for all animals. - Helen Hart, 21st December 2009
factory farmed pigs I would like to add my name to those who have already contacted you in regard to their distain for factory farmed pigs. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE there must be a better way where a practical, efficient solution can be reached where everyone's a winner! We used to buy a KG of bacon and half a KG of ham every week for our family of 5. We have stopped until such time as we can be assured of your commitment to cease this unnecessary and cruel treatment of pigs! - M Dawson, 19th December 2009
your disgusting behaviour Legal action may stall progress, but people in NZ are going to eventually make you change your disgusting business. Shame on all of you. I would wish that all of you could be locked up in a small cage for weeks and months to really experience this torture for yourselves.
All for money and greed. How do you sleep? - Richard Geismar, 17th December 2009
No more factory farmed pigs To whom it may concern,
I was totally shocked to hear that NZ allowed factory pig farming. To hear the excuse from your team that it was the only way to compete with product imported from overseas was very sad. If this is the case why are you not putting all your efforts into lobbying the government to ban the importation of these products?
Yes NZ is trying to promote free trade, but surely within limits, especially where products are produced in ways that NZers find abhorrent.
Factory farming in NZ, when we have so much land and ideal conditions for outdoor animal raising is crazy, and flies in the face of NZ culture and respect of animals.
I would like a reply to this email, especially what is being done to stop cheap factory raised pig imports coming into this country so our farmers can earn a lively hood in a dignified way that is not cruel to pigs.
regards
- Suz Hall, 17th December 2009
What are you thinking? To whom it may concern,
Reading details of the conditions of pig farms creates a picture I never wanted to imagine, and one I am absolutely ashamed, disgusted even, to associate with our beautiful country many of us love to call home. Although I realize every country has its downfalls and bad points, to knowingly allow this heartbreakingly cruel treatment of animals is not only sickening, but completely, and utterly unnecessary. If you feel the need to use animals for food, you should at least treat them with respect and dignity for the life they do live.
The fact that most New Zealanders were eating pork products while in the dark about this disturbing treatment of animals, does not do anything to improve our viewpoint on this matter. If you were keeping such practices hidden from a country full of passionate, independent individuals, then the people responsible know in their hearts how wrong it is. What frustrates me even more, is that, surely, now the light has dawned, and Kiwis and the rest of the world are aware of this terrfiying treatment of such beautiful animals, we tell you we do not want it. And, you, the pig farming industry, refuse to stop. Honestly, what are you thinking?
Ashamed and upset,
Wellington, NZ - Amy, 16th December 2009
pigs you kill pigs in a cage that kills the pigs slowly i thik peopel who do that is a dumb job :( would you like to be a pig and die slowly in a cage .
i'm 9 and i have a 3 pigs and i don't like to see pigs die slowly ok!!!!!!!!!!!!:( :( Please email me back. - Ben, 14th December 2009
pig cruelty Dear Sir/Madam, A quick note to add my voice to those who have already emailed you. I consider all cage farming to be cruel, greedy and totally unnecessary. Your defence of these abhorrent practices is - to be honest, sick. Please discover a conscience and put an immediate halt to all non free range pig farming. While you are at it you could invite your colleagues from the poultry industry to embrace the same philosophy. I no longer eat non free range pork, chicken or eggs. - jonathan fairhurst, 13th December 2009
Loveable Porkers I can't help but wonder when and how this inhumane treatment of pigs was justified in this country -I am ashamed
and horrified that this practice is somehow okay in the minds of our 'higher than thou' persons in positions of trust. And yes, we did trust that the meat on our tables was the real McCoy and that when the animals died they had lived not in factory conditions but as farm animals. I live in Hamilton and every time I drive over to Te A I see well treated pigs and all their little piglets doing what pigs do.
In all my life, if ever I have seen a distressed animal I have stopped and done what I could or informed someone of the situation. You apparently have never been personally abused or made to suffer, and one can only hope that you are not sadists - just money hungry pig ignorant city slickers who only think about how you can rip off consumers pumping pork with water yikes what that's all about, oh okay no prize once again---> just $$$$$. I don't eat a lot of meat but when I do I am respectful of where it comes from but I will never buy any meat or eggs that are not free ranged, lifestyled animals. To the farmers than can do this to their animals I say "hang up your gumboots and walk away you suck at your job mate find another occupation"!!!! - Cushla Narin, 12th December 2009
pig cruelty I think the treatment of our pigs is unforgivable, these creatures are so intelligent and trusting for people to cage them in an area that they cant sit or lay down is unthinkable. There must be a better way of farming these lovely creatures.
We have so much space in NZ why are we keeping animals caged up in the dark? I don't eat meat and haven't for over 14yrs because of the way NZ raises there animals. Like I said there must be a better way,
please think long and hard about this surely a happy animal is more important than anything else Thanks for taking the time to read this, this is a problem that a lot of people feel strongly about. - victoria, 11th December 2009
Treatment of pigs Sir/Madam
Just wanted to let you know we have for some time only bought NZ grown pork. We have now extended our buying to exclude any pork that is not freerange, and we look forward to your farmers "getting with the programme", there is absolutely no justification for not eliminating caging conditions, effective immediately.
Regards - Lincoln Cobham, 6th December 2009
animal cruelty Think about these poor creatures and how you are treating them. They have legs, and deserve to be able to move around just like you do. Imagine the horror for yourselves to be cooped up and unable to walk or turn around. It is a form of torture. It can't be right and it isn't. It is barbaric and cruel. Your making money does not make it ok. You should be so ashamed of yourselves. My family are disgusted with you and all like you. We are very careful our money is not spent on any product you produce. In the future producers like yourselves will be looked back on with disbelief and disgust. - Richard Geismar, 2nd December 2009
pigs feel I gave up eating pork along time ago due to the inhumane practices in pig farms. The current campaign to educate the public against the support of legitimised barbarism is long overdue. Please, if you must traffic in the flesh of such a lovely living creature, walk a mile in their place and consider how you would like to be farmed if it was you that was being keep for food. - Susanna Verge, 2nd December 2009
pigs To NZ Pork Board, since learning of the barbaric and hideous way our pigs are treated I will know longer purchase the pork at supermarkets. I now purchase freerange pork from a Christchurch butcher, it is more enjoyable to chew when you know the meat is freerange. Please smarten up your act. Yours faithfully - justine bergman, 1st December 2009
cruelty Cruelty to pigs has to stop. They are highly intelligent animals. NZ is meant to be such an advanced country - so let's start to act like it. I will never buy your pork again and nor will my family and friends....I hope u get the message.
- Janine Fereira, 30th November 2009
Pigs It is time to listen to the people, factory farming is not acceptable, we have enough land to free range all animals, your excuses are ridiculous, it's all about the cost not the animals. - Romola Hunter, 29th November 2009
Factory farmed pigs Like many other families in New Zealand, our pork consumption has dropped off dramatically since the recent media coverage re the disgustingly cruel manner in which most pigs are raised in NZ.
There is no ethical distinction between inhumane treatment of pigs from that of any other mammals including domestic pets - and people.
Please examine your consciences and having done so, make the correct choice here - if you have no conscience, then you can still consider the economics of your industry.
We now only buy free-range pork products and this is a permanent change for us. If free range is unavailable, we do not buy pork. We have extended this to restaurant choices and in fact to eating at friends' houses too.
- Chris Warlow, 24th November 2009
Intensive Cruelty Please stop treating our intelligent animals in this barbaric way. My greatest fear is to be confined without a way out, and I'm sure the pigs feel the same way without any say in the matter. How dare we treat our animals who give their lives so we can have bacon for breakfast in such a way. These sow stalls are banned in many countries in the world without a problem to the farming industry. How come "Clean green NZ" is as barbaric as the Chinese who keep their bears in cages for cosmetics!! Please, please ban this unnecessary cruelty now!!!!! - Joy Ivich, 22nd November 2009
pig cruelty I absolutely loves pigs. They do not need to be treated like a piece of garbage.Pigs have feelings too. Just thinking of millions of pigs out there being cramped in a tiny space in a hot stuffy room waiting to die,that makes me feel sick!Nobody deserves to be treated like that and that goes for all of the other animals out there as well. I wish that pigs had tons of space to run around and to be free and to have a normal life.I certainly don't want them to have a life like that!
Yours sincerely - Sarah, 22nd November 2009
Sow crates Allowance of such cruel treatment to animals reflects on the value of life, both human as well as animal. It demonstrates a huge lack of compassion and the responsibility and guilt for this rests directly on the shoulders of anybody working for the NZ Pork Board - whether you believe you have a say, or influence anything or not. The bottom line is that by silently assenting your approval of such treatment you are having an impact. I seriously hope that one day you all wake up and realise the severity of your actions. - Maretta Twentyman, 22nd November 2009
factory farmed idenification vs free range Since this issue was raised I have not been buying any pork, I would still buy it if was identified as free range pork, but my Pac n sav (Riccarton) does not carry any with this mark!! So until there is clear identification no pork for me or my family including sausages!! I have started and will continue to lobby my extended family over this issue including suggesting no xmas ham this year. We have a gathering of 11 families on xmas day. - carmen rask, 18th November 2009
cruelty to pigs in nz saddened to see the plight of pigs in nz, i won't be buying any pork products until pigs in nz are treated better.
i will be encouraging my family and friends to do the same. - robert knight, 16th November 2009
Pigs in factory farms Hi. I just wonder why it is so hard to change the law around how pigs are housed in factory farms (why does it have to be e.g 2015, and why not immediate?)
The public are not fooled by the 'recovery' adverts on the TV, trying to make NZ pork 'pleasant and friendly' to eat. They know they industry is flailing.
New Zealanders are a fair bunch and now that they have seen the footage of how they are housed, they are not impressed, as most of them are compassionate, animal lovers, and have until now perhaps chosen to be ambivalent about how their bacon got to their plate. But i don't think many of them can turn blind eyes now.
I urge you to try and get legislation in sooner rather than later. 6 years is not long to you, but a LONG time for a pig. I look forward to hearing form you.
Regards, - Michelle Hutchison, 15th November 2009
What to buy I am looking to buy ONLY free range pork. When i am in the supermarket i have found it impossible to find FREE RANGE bacon. do i have to go to a butcher?
- Maylene Baker, 15th November 2009
pigs being cruel to pigs is not nice. people who kill pig r dum. pigs do nothing wrong and putting them in cages is cruel. making the pigs die in pain so please stop catching pigs please :) i am 9 and i have a pig and i don't want my pig to die - BEN, 14th November 2009
Stop Factory Farming NOW STOP FACTORY FARMING NOW, not in a few years time, ANIMALS ARE SUFFERING RIGHT NOW!
I applaud everyone who has voiced their outrage at animal cruelty. Wrong only exists when Good People stay silent. I encourage more people to speak out, animals can't defend themselves, they need good people to protect them and to educate the misinformed or uninformed that animals should not and don't have to be treated cruelly, they have a RIGHT to live as they were born to live, which over rides any right that man thinks he has to make money from them.
NZ Pork Board and everyone who is involved in factory farming nobody HAS to treat animals this way, you DO have a choice. SHAME ON YOU!!! - Sian Luckie, 13th November 2009
Stop cruelty against pigs! I find it extremely disappointing that we, humans, treat other animals so cruetly. People who treat defenceless animals like that are nothing more that animals themselves. Yes, pigs are grown for human consuming however it can be done in better way. Pigs same as all the other animals have feelings.. Please stop cruelty against them! - Migle, 13th November 2009
Cruelty to pigs Hi there,
Please have a heart and BAN the sow crate now. It is inhumane and it must be banned.
Please consider all those who oppose it and you'll be a lot cooler if you ban it.
Sarah
Film Maker, Artist and Writer - Sarah Watson, 13th November 2009
factory pork I am absolutely appaulled to see such a cruel act being brushed aside!! Congratulation to everyone standing up and putting their names out there to make a difference.
We should not consider this a type of 'farming'!! To see the way pigs are treated in all their different stalls/ crates and pens is b****y disgusting!! With such confinement I consider this a form of prison!! How can you support something where a sow has to give birth on a metal floor,? there is no respect or care for these factory farmed pigs! No matter what the reason is...pigs ARE animals!! not just meat! Something NEEDS to be done about this!!
Factory farming should be illegal. I WILL STAND UP AND SUPPORT 'SAFE' IN THEIR BID TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE!! - Sophie, 12th November 2009
pork products I definitely support this campaign I hate any and all forms of animal cruelty.
What I would like to know is how people can identify pork products that do not come from factory farmed pigs so we can all check what we are purchasing? Thank you and keep up the awesome work in giving animals a voice and stop animal cruelty. Thank you - stacey aldwin, 10th November 2009
Pig Factory Farming Why does the New Zealand Pork Industry insist that Factory Farming is ok and not cruel? Do you actually see the pigs as living creatures or just produce? People would find it appalling to see a dog treated in this manner, and as pigs are at least as intelligent as dogs, why is it any less cruel?I have bought free range eggs for years as I do not agree with battery farming and now I find that our pork is farmed in exactly the same way. Needless to say I will be buying free range pork from now on and enjoying a better and guilt free product.
I am a proud New Zealander but am disgusted that such a barbaric practice continues in our beautiful country, SHAME ON YOU! Wake up and smell the public opinion, people do not want factory farming! - Geri Eccles, 10th November 2009
Factory farming Dear Sir/Madam
As an animal lover, and also a professional animal worker I would like to say that I will never purchase factory farmed pork and will also use my position to spread the word to others.
Pigs are intelligent, maternal creatures and your mistreatment of them in the drive to increase profits is disgusting and needs to be stopped. To argue, as you have done, that a stall is safer as sows will crush their piglets is misleading. Pigs are actually extremely protective and caring mothers, and given adequate space such occurances would be extremely rare.
Please take the time to listen to consumer feedback on this issue; as people are becoming aware of this situation I have yet to encounter anybody who believes it to be an acceptable practice.
Regards - Dave French, 9th November 2009
Pigs in Crates Dear Sirs,
My family have always been big fans of roast pork, bacon etc., but after viewing the programme some months ago on the barbaric practice of keeping pigs in crates I have to say we have not bought pork since apart from some free range bacon.
I understand that New Zealand is a primary producing nation and understand that we breed animals to eat but I don't believe that gives us the right to treat these animals inhumanely. It is time that the NZ Pork Board stepped up and started promoting healthy and humane pig farming, instead of defending the practice of cruel and barbaric crate farming.
Yours faithfully - Adele Fox, 8th November 2009
Pigs/Piglets me and my babe want to own a piglet and take them all away from cruelty its not fair!
- Brooke Hennessy, 8th November 2009
CHANGE To whom it may concern,
Pigs are highly intelligent, sensitive and loving creatures!!! If only members of the board were blessed with such qualities - the world would be a better place.
My family will not eat factory pork again. - Nat, 8th November 2009
Note from an ex-consumer To the N.Z. Pork Board
The reality of the considerable cruelty involved in the standard practices of pig farming has at last been exposed to the general public.I, together with my family and many friends, will no longer purchase any pork or pork products that have not been farmed in a free range environment.
Surely, apart from the cruelty aspect involved, you must realise that from one consumer stems a network expanding out to friends of friends, and so on - from one comes many! Without consumers you have no multitudes to feed off!
If you yourselves cannot comprehend the basic moral ethics involved in protecting all livestock from cruel farming practices, then at least you should be listening to the voice of consumer demand. - Christine Youngson, 7th November 2009
Stop Pig Farming Pork Board
You need to address this inhumane treatment. I know that you have heard this many times but it is great that us consumers have been told about this cruelty that you allow to happen. I know pig farmers that are free range and they are a lot happier than those seen on Campbell live. I have not brought pork since I have seen this program and I am more aware what I am buying, so do the right thing and change this inhumane treatment and let them live in there normal habitat. I don't think that is to much to ask!! ENOUGH OF THE EXCUSES TO WHY IT IS BETTER TO CAGE PIGS!!
Thank you - Alice Mokotupu, 6th November 2009
poor pigs Watching these video's and actually looking into nz's pork industry makes me sick. I lived around farm etc my whole life so being real about our meat industry is not the issue but the treatment of those pigs is revolting and i will never by pork again until there are changes to prevent the way these animals can be raised and treated. I hope your pork industry struggle to make any decent sales till this is fixed. Shame on you!!!! - carly goodson, 6th November 2009
I have a question for you.. My name's Kaitlyn and I'm a 15 year old college student.
About a year ago, I discovered something so heart shattering I left meat out of my life for good. What I discovered, was first sent to me through a chain email, with a link to the peta website. http://www.peta.org/ this has opened my eyes to a terrible, sick world we live in.
What amazes me the most, is that our country is contributing to the world of animal cruelty. There is no excuse, absolutely none, for something like this to be happening to these defenseless animals.So, My question is - how can you watch living, breathing souls die slowly and painfully in crammed, dirty, dark cages for their whole lives. How can you not see their pain? We are not the only ones who feel. They know whats happening, and you do too. Letting something like this happen, and then feeding it too our families makes me furious..
Typing this has brought tears to my eyes, I guess you will never know how much my heart goes out to these poor animals. I know that there is a better way to farm these amazing creatures, at least let them enjoy the sun whilst they can.. And I know I can't be the only one who cares. I hope you decide to care one day soon, too.
Thanks - Kaitlyn Manu, 5th November 2009
Please stop factory farming pigs I know you people at the pork board all think that we, the consumers, are a bit stupid and naive; and what could we possibly know about what is cost effective, humane, and a sustainable way to farm pigs. Well I am writing to tell you that you are absolutely WRONG about us. We are not stupid, we know a thing or to about animal husbandry and we also know who to buy pork from, and it's not from any of your supported farms. It's time you woke up to the fact that the consumer will eventually force you to change your ugly, cruel and utterly unethical practices. It's just a shame that you can't admit you have it wrong, and swallow the rubbish you're perpetrating. WAKE UP PORK BOARD, New Zealanders are not stupid, thousands of us have not been buying your pork for years. Thousands more are following now....
Stop your cruel and barbaric treatment of pigs. You are losing the argument.
- Katherine Curran, 5th November 2009
Poor Pigs. Myself and my daugher feel so sorry for those poor innocent pigs that are locked up in a tiny poxy box. We prey that they doing this terrible thing to these innocent pigs they do have feeling just like any other animals.pigs are so cool and so smart and intelligent and beautiful. Please stop those horrible people who do this. - lois and alisha, 4th November 2009
Foot rot I watched Campbell Live (TV3 2 November 2009) and read your response (http://www.pork.co.nz/Portals/0/Documents/Media%20Releases/media-statement-tv3-2-nov-2009.pdf) which states:
"Pigs have sensitive feet (hooves) and need free-draining soil to thrive. Where the soil is wetter and boggier pigs are farmed indoors to avoid any potential welfare issues from being outside, such as foot rot."
But when farmed indoors it seems those pigs are not kept on free-draining soil at all, but instead on hard concrete or slatted floors -- surely a cruel and unusual treatment for sensitive feet!
If the local soil is wet or boggy then the farmer could choose to farm somewhere else, or to farm something else (maybe something non-sentient!) that is better suited to wet or boggy soil. It is not reasonable for him to locate his farm somewhere unsuitable for pigs, and then to claim that cruel indoor farming methods are required to protect the pigs from the consequences of his own poor decision.
I suspect that the real reasons for indoor pig farming have more to do with maximising farmer profits, and with keeping the horrific means employed to achieve those profits hidden from public view, than with any genuine concern for pig welfare issues.
- Geoffrey Reynolds, 4th November 2009
cruelty Dear Sir,
May I say what disgusting conditions NZ pigs are farmed in. I personally will refrain from buying pork from now on and am surprised these conditions are acceptable in this day and age. How sad and embarrasing for those in the industry.
What a cynical world we live in.
regards - steve, 4th November 2009
Ban factory farming of pigs The factory farming of pigs in New Zealand must be banned forever. The only legal method of pig farming should be free-range. - Paul Rosin, 4th November 2009
DISGUSTED!! I just want to express how disgusted i am in how pigs in New Zealand are treated. IT IS APPAULING!! And i can not believe pig farm owners are allowed to get away with it!!
Pigs are animals, living mammals just like humans and any other animal, so it is NOT right that they are treated and kept in these disgusting conditions.
You people make me sick and are horrible for letting this happen!!! I don't know how you live with yourself and allow for this to be sold to the New Zealand public without them knowing how NZ pork is really raised.
YOU NEED TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS AND NOT JUST SIT BACK AND WATCH THIS HAPPEN!!! - Emma Glover, 4th November 2009
Buying pork Just to let you know that I don't buy any pork products that are not free range (or the equivalent) and never have. I loathe the pork industry here and have been aware of the mistreatment of pigs since I immigrated here 13 years ago.
I fully support you on this quest and think the embargo on buying pork products from penned pig suppliers is a good idea.
Go Mike! - Wendy Cain, 4th November 2009
PIGS STOP BEING CRUEL TO PIGS. KEEPING PIGS IN THESE BARBARIC CONDITIONS HAVE PUT ME OFF PORK AND MY FRIENDS AGREE. PORK BONES AND PUHA WAS ONCE A DELICIOUS TREAT AT HOME AND NOW I AM ABSOLUTELY PUT OFF THIS SINCE THE EXPOSED TRUTH WAS REVEALED.I COULD BE TEMPTED WITH FREE RANGE PORK ALTHOUGH IM IN 2 MINDS AS I NEED TO BE SURE THAT THE PIGS HAVE BEEN TREATED WELL. I WANT TO SEE CLOSE PIG FARM MONITORING OF CONDITIONS AND TREATMENT FOR PIGS AND ENSURE THESE PIGS HAVE FREEDOM. I WANT PROPER GUARANTEED HONEST LABELLING IN REGARDS TO FREE RANGE PIG FARMING IN SUPERMARKETS THIS SHOULD BE COMPULSORY. I LL BE SPREADING THE WORD. - Anthea, 4th November 2009
Pig Cruelty I doubt you will bother to read this but I thank Mike King so much for bringing this barbaric farming practice to public attention. I have not purchased pork meat in any form since the story aired 6 or so months ago. And I know others who have done the same. I will never purchase pork again until there is no such barbaric, hideous pig farming practices left in New Zealand. How you can sleep at night is beyond me!!!! - Christine Robertson, 4th November 2009
battery pig farming As an avid hunter and eater of pork ,i am absolutely appalled at the conditions in which these battery farm pigs and especially the sows are treated and will now only be buying free range pork or to have wild, as at least when we hunt pork it is dispatched quickly rather than being tortured as are battery pigs .
May be we should put politicians along with the pig boards board members and these farmers in these pens for a month and then maybe we would see a law change .
Or do politicians and the pork board allow this because they to have their fingers in the battery pork pie?.
I hope that every one in NZ stops buying your product and that your businesses go bankrupt as even this would not be enough punishment for the misery inflicted on these creatures by your hand.
How many of you go to church or have read the bible as if you do and you have you are all hypocrites.
SHAME ON YOU ALL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - sandor fulop, 3rd November 2009
Disgusting. Please do the right thing - stop sow crates. Do as cadbury have done - admit its time for a change! people will respect you for it. Free range pork tastes much better too! - Emma, 3rd November 2009
pig prisons Why don't you guys bring out a free range pork and bacon option for the supermarkets. There's money in it! a lot of people will pay more for free range produce. Do it voluntary before we make pig prisons illegal like they are in the U.K. - Nick Glynn, 3rd November 2009
I love all animals i love all animals and i was so shocked when i found out about the treatment some of these pigs get. I would rather be around animals than people most of the time and hearing and seeing made me burst into tears straight away. It is torture!!!! We wouldnt let our kids be put in small pens so they could bite and snep at each other or let a pregnant woman be held in a cage without the right nourishment and stimulation and then take her babies away making her depressed, stressed and more than likely highly f****d off. I cant believe people can do that to these highly intelligent, sensitive and lovely animals. They just want to be free and live life just like we do. I honestly wish i could put the people that do this in their position for most of their life and see how they feel and see what sort of side effects they get from such crappy lives. AHHH i just cant explain how much hate i have for these people and how much it breaks my heart to hear the stories and see them on the news. I hope this stops very soon or i personally would want to not be known as a "new zealander". who would want to when we torture pigs!?!?!?!? - Kitty, 2nd November 2009
re pigs............. please, please stop using pig crates, free range farmers do not confine their pigs for the length of time your farmers do. i wont buy non organic meat now, not ever. no matter how we try to compete in cost cutting measures in business, we always end up as we were, if only because other competitors up the stakes, and so it goes on..........but to make an animal suffer for economic gain, is just barbaric and sinful. so give the pigs a break. farm them more compassionately, for profit is not everything, kindness is much more powerful..... - ralex, 2nd November 2009
Pigs should be happy I'm devastated to be reminded of the terrible and cruel conditions pigs are kept in.
We in New Zealand have always prided ourselves in being a caring and generous society who have led world change in so many ways and yet we are unable to convince you that what you allow with the use of sow crates is wrong and inhumane. I recently watched a programme on TV about pig farming and the farmer had built a row of small stalls around the edge of his paddocks for use when sows were hormonal or giving birth, but at all times they were outdoors and on grass and the piglets could run around in the central paddock with other pigs and go back to mum when wanting to feed.Then when the sows weren't a threat their stalls could be opened for them to wander.
Why can't we encourage this in a country where there is not a shortage of land.?
In last nights clips on Campbell Live, it was obvious that those sows had been more than a few weeks in those stalls by the amount of excrement they were lying in. Why wasn't that hosed away?
Shame on you all.
Regards
- Jenny Mathews, 2nd November 2009
As predicted... .. nothing has changed and you THINK you have managed to stalwart an overview of this industry and that it's all going to go away. Well, get this... IT'S NOT!!!! It's going to get a whole lot worse so you'd best brace yourselves.
The public have had an utter gutsful of your obvious floundering. I hear you talking about 2015 as a mark to have made some very small changes. GET BLOODY REAL and DO IT ALL NOW... provide the public with a decent reason why it has to take another 6 years to get any sign of this really squeaky wheel to turn. So far it's taken 6 months and you guys have achieved stuff all. Makes one wonder what you get paid for?!!!
I cannot believe those of you in power to change this are all naive enough to think this issue is simply going to go away and that you will ride out the public storm. Have you not got the message yet? You are doing long term damage not only to the pigs, but to the Board and NZ's farming representation at large.
Also... I wonder about YOUR OWN personal integrity? What do your peers/friends/family think while you're standing at the BBQ on a Saturday arvo with a beer in your hand sizzling a pork steak? Think about it. How do you morally/socially stack up against those around you. I make no apology for taking this to a personal level as so far, from a commercial/professional stance, you have evoked no change.
So take a good long hard look at yourselves, because certainly the public (and your family and friends no doubt) are judging you, in both a personal and professional capacity I'm sure!!!!
The time for change is now.
- Jude Bowman, 2nd November 2009
Factory Farming MUST Stop As a vegetarian, the factory farming of animals has always been something that I have found deeply disturbing.
The recent expose on the factory farming of pigs enlightened many consumers as to how their meat is being produced. Many people are taking a stand against this legalised cruelty, sending a clear message that animal abuse (not just towards pigs, but all animals) will not be tolerated.
I fell that it is most definitely the responsibility of the NZ Pork Board and your producers, to act immediately to stop this cruelty once and for all. Just because it is "legal" does not mean those involved in pork production should sit on their hands and do nothing. You all need to take the iniaitive and work towards farming these animals more humanely.
Human greed created these barbaric farming methods but money is no excuse for cruelty.
Please, help end this needless suffering now. - Katrina Osgood, 2nd November 2009
cruel farming I was dismayed to see the Pork Board continuing to attempt to defend the cruel farming practices used to make your product (Campbell Live Mon 2/11/09). Your spokesman appeared to struggle with defending it too and had to resort to yelling a pre-prepared brief.
That footage of NZ pig farms is really disturbing and the owners of those farms must be pretty heartless.
The conditions those pigs are kept is completely unacceptable and for you to hide behind the law, pigs hormones, "best practice" is morally disgraceful.
Why not stand up and insist on making changes instead of fighting to continue those cruel practices until your producers are forced to change? Fonterra is now realising that public opinion is very powerful.
Needless to say, we won't be buying NZ pork and encouraging all our family and friends to also boycott your cruelly product meat.
Disgusted and saddened - Jacqueline Eden, 2nd November 2009
Mike King update on pig farming The latest footage that was shown on Campbell Live and apparently filmed in pig farms around the country was most disappointing and disturbing.
These standards are not ethical, desirable or in any way acceptable. Whether they're lawful or not is besides the point and it's not what the public cares about.
And to try and justify the practices under the pretence of safety and concern for the animals themselves was the lowest of the low. It's clearly about the dollar, and I'm afraid the public won't be fooled.
Hopefully now we will begin to see a few changes, but it's such a shame its only after media exposure and public pressure rather than any sort of moral compass from within the industry. - sharon, 1st November 2009
Stop Factory Farming of Pigs It is barbaric, cruel and unnecessary. I no longer buy any pork products. Please revise the industry practices to make them cruelty free. - Tracy Phua, 1st November 2009
Pigs in cages Dear NZ Pork Board
I am writing to express my deep concern at the way pigs are allowed to be treated in this country.I find it very disturbing that intelligent animals such as these are kept in such confined quarters - this is cruel and inhumane and I very much look forward to day when this no longer happens.
Regards
Esther Leigh
Lecturer - Esther Leigh, 1st November 2009
Hey it's Michelle! To New Zealand pork board,
Stop abusing pigs! Letting pigs be confined in small pens is wrong and isinhumane, it is also a breach of these animals rights. I am appaled by the cruel and barbaric condition which factory pigs are exposed to, this needs to stop now!
I will not buy factory farmed pork, and I ask that you only allow pigs to be raised in the free-range style through out New Zealand.
I also ask that you make it a neccesity that all pork sold for consumers must meet the SPCA approved conditions and be labeled with SPCA.
These poor pigs have very cruel cruel lives and then they are met with cruel extremely painful deaths. There must also be a vital code stating that pigs must be slaughtered in the most humane way possible, without this pigs are open to be abused.
Billions of pigs will go through extreme pain if you do not step up and say no to factory pig farming. Enough is enough and it's time for your board to step into action and permit tighter regulations on the pork industry. You as an organization need to give these pigs back their rights and the humane treatment they deserve.
Factory pigs dont provide pork they provide tainted meat.
Stand up and help the pigs today!! - Michelle, 31st October 2009
crate farming! Dear Sir,
I am appauled at the sow crate farming! Which ever way you choose to look at this situation...it is wrong!
New Zealand is a country well known for its inventive people...can you not come up with a HUMANE way of farming these animals? I and many friends of mine have stopped eating anything with pork products since this horrible way of farming was exposed! Why can't NZ become a world leader in humane farming?!What is the Pork Board doing about this situation?
Sincerely, - joan camps-campins, 5th October 2009
Animal welfare To whom it may concern
I would like to inquire on what the Pork board intends to do to improve the welfare of farmed pigs in NZ.
As I am opposed to cruelty or inhumane farming techniques think that general farming standards should be improved.
Can you tell me if there are any scheduled plans to improve conditions, remove sow stalls or farrowing crates?
Many Thanks for your time - Tracey Kinnear , 2nd October 2009
Factory Farming of Pigs Dear Sir
I am writing to you to express my concern about the cruel practice of sow crates and farrowing stalls.
In New Zealand this barbaric practice should not exist. We have the ability in this country to totally free range farm our animals as we have done for years and there are alot of pig farmers who do just that. Their animals are happy and healthy and judging by the farmers and butchers I have spoken with on this subject, they believe that the free range practice produces a better quality meat from these animals that have less stress in their lives.
I am asking that you please review these barbaric practices and ensure that all pork farmers have to adhere to a farming practice free of cruelty.
Pigs especially, are very intelligent animals and deserve to have a quality life.
Please put a stop to the dreadful life some pigs endure at the hands of greedy farmers with no empathy for life.
Yours sincerely - Anne McAulay, 1st October 2009
against factory farming Our whanau have chosen to boycott all pork products from factory farmed pigs until humane practice has started.
regards. - s.everson, 30th September 2009
Factory Farming of Pigs MUST STOP!! Hi There,
My name is Casey Latch and I am a 13 yr old girl living in Auckland.
I, like many people around me, have been following this tragic story of the factory farming of pigs on the news ever since it was first released. I am disgusted that even after seeing and hearing all this evidence and learning from overseas countries that Factory Farming of Pigs still hasn't been made illegal!!!!
So I just wanted to let you know how strongly I feel about this matter and how I definitely don't think that treating pigs this way is acceptable. I hope that someday in the not too distant future you are able to stop this problem form being a problem and giving pigs the life they, as living things, deserve.
Thanks for taking the time to read my letter.
Yours Sincerely - Casey Latch, 12th September 2009
pig cruelty Disgusting the conditions that you allow in New Zealand...i certainly tell everyone not to buy factory farmed...don't know how you can sleep at night knowing the suffering you are inflicting. - Emma , 11th September 2009
STOP SOW STALLS - SIMPLE!! Dear Pork Board
there is no excuse for continuing to condone the barbaric practice of sow crates in the production of pork.
I will not be eating any more pork or pork products unless I can be 100% sure it is free range.
The New Zealand public don't want to buy pork produced through such cruelty.
Yours sincerely, Another customer lost (and I will be talking to all my friends and colleagues too).
Kapiti Coast - Vyvien Starbuck, 22nd August 2009
Don't put pigs torture pens I live in Iowa. I've lived in Iowa all of my life. We use to have pigs and cows and horses and pretty red barns along our highways. They are all gone now. They have been replaced by hog confinement buildings where 300 to a 1000 pigs are forced to live in torturous conditions in order to be fattened up an eaten. They put out huge amounts of waste. The smell is horrible. It can be smelled for miles in each direction. New Zealand you don't want to do this. I've been to New Zealand. It's beautiful; you don't want your far away island to smell like an open sewage pit. You may have cheap pig meat to in order to make your people plump like Iowans, but you will lose your tourist. There are very few tourists in Iowa. - Sara Canade, 22nd August 2009
AND STILL..... .. you guys are dicking around with this issue now talking about getting research from consumers regarding labelling protocols and what we want to read on the label when we buy our meat.
For heavens sake.. are you all deaf, dumb and blind??????? It's either "sow crate farmed", or it is "free range". How hard can it be??? I think a group of college students could run this industry better than you lot.
You are drawing away from what is at issue here, don't turn it around and start noising off about labelling, diverting the consumers attention from what it's really about.... SOW CRATE FARMING. It isn't about packaging, it's about the way these animals are FARMED, not LABELLED!!!!!
This constant procrastination is delaying what change is required within this industry NOW! It just goes to show how inept you all are sorting this. Perhaps you need to step down and let people at the helm that know what they are doing. Clearly, you guys don't! - Jude Bowman, 14th August 2009
pigs Dear Chris and Sam
By keeping pigs in such barbaric conditions, then spouting unscientific nonsense about how they need to be kept in such confinement for their own good, and unsubstantiated claims that activists scattered food around to arouse the sows, you are affirming George Bernard Shaw's dictum that anyone who will not hesitate to abuse animals will certainly not hesitate to lie about it.
I hope that one day someone puts you in a sow stall - for your own good of course. - Dr Michael Morris, 26th July 2009
Pig farming in NZ The Pig farming industry in NZ is an animal welfare disaster zone, and I think the time has come for your board to make some changes. There are excellent models available for Free range farming, and cost cannot be used as an excuse to farm using other non-welfare friendly methods. The NZ public has shown that they are unhappy with the intensive farming techniques in use, and many are more happy to spend more to purchase free range. This is an excellent time to make industry changes to bring NZ's standards out of the zone of barbarity. At the very least introduce some standards for behavioural enrichment for these very intelligent animals while they are contained in fattening pens, get rid of sow crates, and show pig farmers how to do a better job. It's not ok just because MAF says no laws are broken - the laws protect the way things are done currently. Not good enough! - Sara Elliott, 20th July 2009
FACTORY FARMING OF PIGS Dear New Zealand Pork Industry Board,
Please advise us of the positive steps your board is taking to end this method of so-called "farming".
Our family is seeking your help to overturn one of the cruellest methods of pig farming still legally used in this country where sows are unable to express their natural pig behaviours or even turn around in their stalls.
As you will know through the recent mass media exposure, sows are imprisoned in small concrete barred enclosures for the duration of their pregnancies, then put into another equally brutal, barren and restrictive crate to birth and feed their piglets.
When the piglets are removed for fattening & slaughter (also into desolate pen systems), the sows are once again artificially inseminated and subject to the same abuse over and over again until they are finally butchered.
It's appalling, barbaric and an embarrassment to live in a country where this method is still operating.
What is the reason that the NZ Pork Industry Board allows this minority of pig "farmers" to operate in this disgraceful way? It has been proven that free range pig farming is a successful and much more humane method, so the argument of confining animals in this way 'for their own safety' is a nonsense.
Since it plainly does not reflect animal welfare, what is the reason that the NZPIB has not asked NAWAC to alter its 'Code of Welfare' for pigs to stop factory farming of these animals?
What is stopping an immediate ban on this unethical treatment of pigs? What is the purpose of a phase-out period other than to allow these cruel "farmers" to fatten their wallets while abusing thousands more pigs?
This factory farming system is in clear breach of the Animal Welfare Act - and although this fact is widely known, the NZ Pork Industry Board is condoning the suffering by supporting the current NAWAC code - which we understand was written by the Pork Board itself.
We have also made our concerns known to Prime Minister John Key, Minister for Agriculture David Carter, Chair of NAWAC Peter O'Hara and various MP's.
Again - please advise us of the positive steps you will personally take to end this method of so called "farming".
We look forward to your earliest response and to your sincere and active support in stopping this unjustifiable cruelty.
Thank you.
Kind Regards,
Mrs. Linda Nunn and Mr Paul Johnson
NOTE: For further information on this outdated method of animal husbandry, please visit www.lovepigs.org.nz
- Mr & Mrs Nunn/Johnson, 2nd July 2009
Cruelty in Pork Production I am concerned that your organisation is condoning cruelty to pigs in the production of pork in New Zealand.I have made a decision not to eat pork ever again and am disgusted that you are tarnishing the green, clean image of New Zealand. Please listen to the public and stop treating pigs in this cruel manner. When are you going to be honest with your TV advertisements and tell the public how you produce your pork? Sow crates and small pens and filthy conditions.
I look forward to your response.
- Phil Nottingham, 1st July 2009
Pigs Members of the Board, do you have families. Do you tell your children to be kind to animals. Do you show them how to treat animals. Do you take them to farms to see animals in their natural habitat. Do you take them to the factory farms. You know the ones that have twice, three times or more animals in them than the range free type of farm. Do you tell them about the little piggys life before it came to be on their plate. Yeah we bet you do.
Just another family not eating pork these days. - Nancy Donald, 1st July 2009
End the cruelty To the people who can live with themselves knowing that pigs are living in torturess and inhumane conditions, I am sickened. I am saddened. And I no longer support the purchase of pork products and I have always enjoyed all of them until I knew of the conditions in which these beautiful, loving and intelligent creatures have to endure everyday, where the only true gift given to them seems to be death and the release of that inhumane and sad life that they were living.
I am not the only New Zealander who is now waking up to what is going on, and I can guarantee you that I will not stop here. I will support SAFE and I will put forward my time to do all that I can to help people open their eyes to the reality of our pork industry, I will not feel satisfied until the legislation in pig farming has changed and pigs are given the respect to roam free in natural conditions. I understand that meat is a way of life for many people, but it doesn't mean we should have no respect for the lives of those animals we eat.
Please listen to the masses, change the ways these animals are farmed and live with less guilt and shame.
We will not let it continue, this campaign will last as long as factory pig farming does, we will not simply get bored and go away. - Tambray Wallace, 29th June 2009
Factory Farmed Pigs We are aware of how cruelly pigs are treated by factory farming practices. It appears that to run such an establishment, one must be totally free of compassion or conscience, nor hindered by ethical considerations for the rights of animals to live in a natural environment. If the Pig Industry thinks that people would object to paying more for their product to be grown free-range, or that the consumer would lose sleep because 'cheap' pork was not allowed to be imported into NZ from factory farmed operations overseas, then the NZ Pork Industry is sadly out of touch.
Time to move with the times chaps and clean up your dirty industry. Shame on you.
Another customer lost. - Clark Family, 29th June 2009
Free range pork only Dear Pork Board
It seems to me that the only reason you continue to endorse sow crates and other cruel methods of farming pigs is for money. My family and friends will only be buying free range pork from now on. We do not want to support the cruel treatment of these intelligent animals. I urge you to back a change of the law banning factory farming of pigs.
Yours sincerely - Jessica Martin, 25th June 2009
Pork I am writing to express my disgust at how the pigs in New Zealand are treated. How on earth can NZ claim to be clean and green when such unbelievable standards of animal rearing are deemed acceptable in our country. As the governing body for meat export you have a significant forum to impact on the practices for farming animals in NZ. I believe that this is an issue that you could be proactive about. - Jennie Allan, 24th June 2009
Crate farming of pigs Being a farmers' daughter I do not understand why in a country like NZ,with all of it's open space, it is necessary to subject any animal to a life of boredom and misery such as crate farming.When I was a girl growing up pigs were kept in sties with room to move. Standing on a metal grate and not being able to move is cruel.It is the same with laying hens.Animals have brains and feelings and how arrogant of people to treat them with anything but conscience and care. My father,a sheep farmer,says some people treat their stock like machines.Here is a classic method of that style of farming.
I implore you people in positions of power to bring forward the date where this type of farming is outlawed.Its draconian and barbaric.I myself do not eat anything other than free range pork and free range eggs now. - Sheena Jones, 22nd June 2009
Sow Stalls I hope you sleep at night knowing that you a allowing another night of barbaric cruelty to animals to continue for the sake of a pork chop on your plate. I dont sleep well at all, this practice haunts me every day and I am ashamed to consider myself part of our so called "clean green" image. How absurd that we allow this to happen in our country!! You should all be ashamed of yourselves! I dont eat anything with pig meat in it - I would feel sick knowing I was consuming something that had suffered for my consumption! It has been banned in many countries around the world - why not here?!! Im not interested in any other news in NZ - just waiting for that joy of hearing the pigs are now free range like our cows and sheep!!! - Joy Ivich, 19th June 2009
PIG FARMING This is a horrible way for these intelligent animals to spend their lives. We do not want pork from China but i think NZ people should have the choice and knowledge of good welfare for these animals for their lives. Better kinder farming is a must in NZ.
- Carol Singleton, 16th June 2009
stop being cruel to pigs To the n.z pork board.
i am truly disgusted to find out how some pigs are treated in new zealand. It is not fair that you hold the power to change the way they are treated because clearly you don't really care .. or something would have already been done. I'm getting the feeling that all your industry cares about is money which makes me ashamed that we are actually both human. It's our job to look after the environment and the animal life that comes with that. It is sad enough that they are killed to be eaten, they shouldn't have to spend what life they have in a prison! I am only 17 and your industry is a truly disgusting influence on my generation. children need to be learning to treat animals with respect. By letting this madness carry on you are effecting more than just the pigs lives but also what new zealands next generation will perceive as humane. It makes me sick to my stomach that you let this carry on. If you could just see how this is wrong you could change the lives of many suffering pigs!! please please please realise that factory farming of pigs is so completely and OBVIOUSLY wrong!!!!! - Tara, 16th June 2009
Poor Pigs Hi there
This is a quick email to let you know that as a responsible consumer I will be limiting my pork purchases to free-range or Freedom Farms pork. We here that there is no demand for such pork?, actually there is...and I believe that consumer action will bring about the change needed.
Kind regards - Matt Harris, 15th June 2009
And still.... .... the poor piggies wait!!! When is something going to be done? We are awaiting the news that you are embarking on change... NOW! If you had an ounce of brain between you all, you will realise you could actually turn this around and become the 'good guys' of the pork industry. Maybe even set an example... world leaders. Your business could be booming. Instead you take the moral low ground... and still... the poor piggies wait. It's a sad sad world. - Jude Bowman, 15th June 2009
Sows Stalls To whom it mat concern,
I am writing to express my disgust at the way pigs are factory farmed in New Zealand. I understand that this is legal, however I urge you to take a moral stand on the issue and ban sows stalls, even though they may be legal.
I look forward to hearing from you
Regards,
- Sam, 14th June 2009
lead the charge, turn it round Good afternoon,
Please set the standard higher yourselves on how you let 'farmers' keep pigs. They are not farming they are processing meat. But this meat is animals with animal needs LIKE OURS. They can't be sane with their bums stuck on bars, face on bars, sides on bars, no light, pooh everywhere, no social contact, no room to move their bodies, nowhere to snout around.
I have stopped buying pork roasts and bacon as I can't bear to contaminate my body with this hideous bad karma of torture. Please do something about it. Not just the excuse of, 'Oh this is the law and they are only in stalls for a short time and oh, it is hardly any farms'. This is rubbish and you know it.
Please let me know what YOU are going to do. This is not going to go away, it will become a national campaign of world leading proportions. Good luck with your courage to tackle pig farmers, hear the truth and make change for these lives, the lives of pigs just as worthy as you to a decent standard of living.
Yours sincerely - Karen Coltman, 14th June 2009
And end to intensive pig farming Myself, my family and friends were all horrified at what goes on in NZ pig farms, it broke my heart to see such horrific conditions for those factory farmed pigs. Shame on the pork industry, surely there's got to be a better way, after all even John Key was upset by it! Do the right thing, make New Zealanders proud and make the piggies happier and give them some room to be the creatures that they are while they are still alive.
My family of 5 are now all purchasing free range (freedom farms). After viewing the pigs on telly, I got on the phone to Pak n Save Petone and asked them to start a free range bacon option, and they were fantastic, in the store the next day! No more factory farmed pork for my family!
So come on and do something about this...... - Jessica Dowdall, 14th June 2009
pig torture It is quite obviously wrong to treat other living creatures this way, no matter how much money your farming associates are making and will make in the future. Myself, and many other people want this practice to cease.
If this is difficult for you to understand, please try spending more than 10 min in a crate yourself, with the same amount of room for your bodies that you offer these poor creatures.
Anything with legs, a heartbeat, and a brain deserves treatment that includes proper respect. Pigs are not stupid stuffed toys without awareness and feeling in their limbs and body. Why then do you treat them as such?
Yours with utter disgust - Richard Geismar, 14th June 2009
UNJUSTIFIABLE CRUELTY!! Modern pig farming is cruel and unacceptable .Your response has been arrogant and dismissive of pig factory farming , hopefully you will be out of a job soon. - peter , 14th June 2009
pig farming Greetings
I am writing to let you know that I do not buy any pork products. I do not eat meat for a range of personal reasons relating to the environment, health and ethics. It is the ethics issue that is of particular concern to me when it comes to pig farming. I am deeply distressed at news of the sow crate farming technique along with other methods of farming that make it impossible for pigs to engage in natural behaviours. I am keeping myself informed about these issues (taking messages from both sides with a pinch of salt) and where possible pass on the information about the sow-crate farming techniques to meat-eating friends. I do look forward to the day when the pig farming industry changes its farming practices to at least provide happy living conditions for the animals during their short lives.
Regards - Sally McAra, 14th June 2009
Please announce a complete sow stall phase out I'm writing to urge you to announce a complete phase out of sow stalls. Like other kiwi consumers and voters I was appalled at the recently released images of intensive pig confinement. Please follow the lead of the European Union and the world's largest pork producer, Smithfield Foods, and announce a firm date for the complete end to the use of sow stalls in New Zealand. - Lewis Bollard, 14th June 2009
pork Dear pork board
I am a twelve year old vegetarian. I was disgusted when i first found about the treatment of pigs and other animals.I then vowed that i would not eat meat. My parents are now ok with my decision and i am trying to get them to buy organic meat and not the type that you think is "okay". If i were you i would think about what i was doing and give them a better life.
Pigs are friends not food. - Paige, 13th June 2009
Pork - Farm Disgusted by cruelty to pigs, and will buy free range. Can you advise which products are available in supermarkets that are free range please. Willing to pay more. Thanks. - Gary Sawers, 13th June 2009
treatment of pigs Condoning sow cages is reprehensible and shameful and in the name of money it is symbolic of boundless greed.
You have sentenced these animals to hell and if you have a god then you have betrayed him and he probably will send you there for these merciless acts. Despicable, unchristian and inhumane are words for even accomplices to this cruel treatment of these poor helpless beings. - Jackson, 12th June 2009
its not fair! hi i am doing a school speech on a persuasive argument and i am doing it on the pig farms. i think its wrong to treat these pigs this way.and i would love to do something about it in any way. are you doing a pertishion on this because i so would. do these farmers get punished for what they are doing?
p.s if there is any thing i can do please just ask. - talitha, 11th June 2009
Pigs in intensive farms I am glad that your dirty laundry is being aired for the public to see. For far too long your industry has hidden what it does from public view and now we all know why. To try and justify what and how your members raise pigs is devoid of any compassion and shows the public what a cruel and profit driven industry it is. Profit does not in any way justify your methods. - Tania Carey, 11th June 2009
Pig Farming I am a woman in her forties with three children. I am self employed. One of the businesses I run involves the preparation and cooking of meals, catering for small - medium sized occasions etc. I am also a Fitness Consultant and I am often called upon to advise my clients and groups on what sort of foods to eat.
I therefore look to food products which provide good food value and which I feel comfortable endorsing. Pork that is farmed under conditions which the Pork Board seem to currently find acceptable is off my list. I will also be advising everyone that unless pork and bacon is certified as Free Range and Cruelty free it should not be eaten.
I am also ensuring my children are being fully educated in the matter of cruel farming methods. - Carmel Claridge, 11th June 2009
Pig Farming The NZ Pork Board including those that work for them should be ashamed of themselves. The ill-treatment of pigs has gone on for too long. The farmers have had long enough to change to ethical farming. Nothing justifies cruelty to animals. Ever. - Jill Latham, 11th June 2009
factory farms It is hard to believe that a so called civilized country can allow such cruelty to farm animals. I used to enjoy eating bacon but now I cannot even look at it in the supermarket. Please bring your farmers into the 21st century. - Charmaine Stephens, 11th June 2009
STOP THE ABUSE NOW!! I am appalled, disgusted & saddened by the inhumane treatment of pig farming. I call for immediate action by the Pork board to cease the cruelty & to take heed of the NZ public who now have been made aware of the miserable conditions you allow.
I have stopped buying pork products since I viewed the doco by Mike King. I urge all who feel the same to not let this expose' die off lest we forget the plight of these defenceless animals.
I will be making sure that I educate others at every opportunity to keep this in the public eye so that acceptable changes will be made.
STOP THE ABUSE NOW!!
- Lorraine Wilson, 11th June 2009
not with my money Dear Pork Board,
I am truly shocked by the way pigs are treated in our so called civilised country. How do you sleep at night while knowing thousands of sentient animals suffer the most horrible pains and depressing living conditions at the same time and you being partly responsible.
Your industry will not receive one more dollar from my purse as long as this is not hugely improved. I want animals to live pain free and stress free lives with a bit of dignity. Please, show your human side and do everything you can to end these practices!
Yours sincerely, - Jeroen van Kernebeek, 10th June 2009
Cruelty to pigs Dear Pork Board,
Could you please bring in new regulations to stop the inhumane practice of some pig farmers exposed by Mike King on television. I didn't realise that New Zealand still kept pigs in sow crates. I thought like England it had been phased out.
Surely sows could still be kept separate when they have piglets but in larger stalls where they can at least turn round.
Perhaps you could look into the rules and regulations of Sweden? I know its all about keeping the cost of pork reasonable but I for one would be prepared to pay extra for pork if I knew that it was free range, for quite a while I have been buying the free range bacon.
Yours sincerely, - Catherine White, 9th June 2009
Factory Farming Being a vegetarian makes it all the more horrific seeing the conditions your pigs are kept in,there is no excuse for having animals in crates,all farming should be free range, your greed for money is the only reason these beautiful animals are tortured by your suppliers, we will not stop until we get the laws changed. - Romola Hunter, 9th June 2009
Pig farming It's a sad day when you are ashamed of your own countries standards. Whether or not it is MAF recommendations or not, this type of conditions are despicable!
I have been buying free range pork since the episode aired on the Sunday show and I will never go back, the pork tastes so much better and any tiny increase in cost is sooo worth it.
It has been a rewarding experience joining with my friends and family to make a conscious decision about the type of pork we buy. Get the picture, we DO NOT want factory farmed meat!!! - Fiona Tabor, 9th June 2009
pork industry I am a kiwi living in Australia and when I came here I had no idea of the conditions that these wonderful sensitive and intelligent animals were living in and when I was alerted to their fate, I could not believe such a cruel and inhuman practice would be going on in New Zealand. Not New Zealand!!! How wrong I was. New Zealand's clean green image is a joke, nothing less. It is timely now to put an end to this cruel practice, that I have seen first hand, in light of the swine flue that is now reaching around the world caused solely by the way in which these animals are intensively farmed. - lorraine parker, 9th June 2009
Factory Farming These poor animals have a short life, I think it is only humane that we should give them a good one, let them feel the breeze, and see the sun and rut about in fields. I have stopped eaten pork that has been factory raised, and source it from free range, organic even though the cost is a bit more, we just eat it less often. - Yvonne Keith, 9th June 2009
Factory Farming of Pigs I just want to say how disgusting it is that you are supporting and allowing this to happen. By your thinking this is okay - you are showing how stunted you are as humans. Thinking that animals don't deserve respect shows that you are spiritually light years behind those of us who know this is not okay! Grow a backbone and at least admit what you are doing is wrong. Changes are going to happen... - Andrea Bryant, 9th June 2009
barbaric pig farming in nz Absolutely disgusted, saddened and shocked how pigs in NZ are farmed. I asked my local supermarket if they would consider stocking free range pork and within 3 weeks it was on the shelves - THEY LISTENED !!!! i no longer eat pork and i buy only FREE RANGE pork for my family. i will not buy pork that is not labelled FREE RANGE.- STOP crate farming NOW !!!!! - Julie Cutbill, 8th June 2009
Your industry is finished. I recently visited a pig farm to see for myself the conditions the pigs suffer though. While I'm a vegan and would never buy your product anyway, I can tell you that that experience made me 500% more motivated to see an end to your industry. No creature should suffer like that. I will be urging everyone I meet to stop buying pork and even further to go vegetarian/vegan. I think your industry is on its way out. - Katy Tamargo, 8th June 2009
pig farming There are many problems in the world that seem too hard to solve but this one is simple. At the stroke of a pen the law can be changed. The pork board has a responsibility to ensure that the pigs are treated humanely. Caged/penned pig farming needs to be banned now. This cruel practice must stop. Are we civilised to allow this to happen - no.
I will be buying free range pork only - if at all.
- Rhonda Taylor, 4th June 2009
no more animal cruelty i hate people how they can do this to animals. it's not right. i love pigs and it's just not right. you ought to be ashamed of yourselves. just imagine if you were pigs you wouldn't like to be shoved in a pen and insects everywhere and can hardly breath. pigs may not be your favourite animal but they are mine that's why you should STOP animal abuse. it's not cool. :( STOP this animal abuse. for all the pigs that have done no harm to you.....
- rebecca, 4th June 2009
Pig cruelty To the NZ Pork Board:
I too am appalled at the disgustingly cruel treatment of pigs that is allowed by your board, in particular intensive farming and sow crates. You ought to be ashamed of yourselves! From now on, I shall only eat free range pork - and boycott pork farmed under so called intensive farming conditions. It is a truly disgusting practice!
What are YOU going to do about it? WHEN did you say? WHY wait that long? HOW can you live with yourselves knowing what misery you are causing? DO something about it!! NOW!! - Gerard, 3rd June 2009
Free range pork I wish to inform you that as of my last shopping day I have not brought any pork products. I would have continued to buy pork products if I had been able to find any labeled free range at the supermarket. I will continue to avoid pork and pork products until the Pork Board gets it through their heads that consumers are willing to pay extra for free range pork. The stalls are an abomination and completely unnecessary. My father kept pigs on our family farm in the 1940's and 1950's and never used stalls. The pigs had pig houses in paddocks. My brother in law kept pigs at his organic kiwi fruit orchard among the vines to keep the weeds down and they had a great life.
- Diane Montieth, 3rd June 2009
its an issue I'm jess, year 11 at mountainview high school in timaru. i'm doing a research project on the recent display of farming on the news and have a few questions i would like to ask about the actions that have been taken to resolve this, what the 2 sides to the story are and how people discovered this. If you or any one who knows about this could email me that would be great. - jess kuperus, 3rd June 2009
the silence is deafening! .... WHAT IS ACTUALLY HAPPENING NOW??? have you 'people' set the wheels in motion and commenced the phasing out of these disgusting crates yet or are you still in procrastination mode like you have been the past 15-20 years? Unbelievable!! I bet your thoughts are "we'll ride this one out boys... the public will soon forget and it'll all die down"...or do you need to assign some fancy panel of idiots and do some further 'research'? GET IT SORTED.... NOW!!! I hope like mad the public are still voting with their feet and NOT BUYING PORK, i hope all of you living off the back of these pigs end up destitute!!!!!!!!!!!! - jude bowman, 2nd June 2009
Free Range Pigs I encourage the NZ Pork Board to require labeling of pork and bacon in New Zealand that will enable consumers to tell which meat is free range and which is factory farmed. Until I can rely on labellng to tell the difference I will not be buying pork and bacon. Thank you. - Suzy Cooper, 2nd June 2009
atrocious sow pig farm conditions. I have stopped buying my regular purchases of bacon, having seen recent TV programmes about the appalling farming conditions for sows. What sort of males can be part of this shameful and barbaric farming industry? Men who are anti females ??? Shame on you ALL. - Pat, 1st June 2009
legalised cruelty I am so saddened by the legalised cruelty that exists in our country. One point i would like to make. I hear that factory type farming of pigs is needed to help keep the cost of pork affordable. Why is it lamb averages at $15-$18 per kg. Chicken $15-$18kg and pork at approx $10 per kg. I would rather pay a little more for the ethical treatment of any animal.I hope that you consider this seriously. I'm very pleased the spot light is upon you. - Tania, 1st June 2009
pigs lives If this was a domestic animal this would not be allowed, but this is a obvious case of the almighty dollar being of more importance than animal care. I would like to see how you as a human would stand living in one of these cages day after day. - Marie Priest, 29th May 2009
No More This has to STOP!!! I no longer purchase any pork product unless it is FREE RANGE. I also encourage all friends and family to do the same! This is New Zealand the land of the "Long White Cloud" "Clean & Green" How and why is this happening??? This is just as bad as Bear farming in China. - Julie Abel, 29th May 2009
pigs This is outrageous that pigs can be treated like this if this was a cat, dog or horse there would be hell to pay. - daniel, 28th May 2009
why? What on earth is wrong with you? Can you not see the terrible things you do? I am overwhelmed with this peek into your world. what a terrible place. you have shattered my dreams about new zealand and my hopes for humanity. to do such things to other living beings, who feel and suffer and love will, i hope, give you pause for thought. our species can never evolve without an end to such behaviour. - keith mann, 28th May 2009
free range pork I thoroughly disagree with what is happening to these innocent little pigs. They need to have space to do their natural habits. You shouldn't be keeping them in crates and the only reason that the pigs are biting each others tails is because they don't have enough space so you have no right to chop them off. - Victoria Kerr, 28th May 2009
Animal cruelty We've seen some very cruel pig farms on TV and people will stop buying pork. Why do you let the bad farmers spoil it for all the good ones? - Max Gordon, 28th May 2009
shit for brains... .. yeah.. YOU... NZ Pork Board 'people'!! It's become blazingly obvious over the weeks since this exposure that the pigs are more intelligent than you. And since this has now been proven by public opinion, it's time to sit your fat greedy arses in one of those crates and rot in your own shit!!!!!!!!!!!! Disgraceful and disappointing. I'm a firm believer in karma... what goes around, comes around! - J Bowman, 28th May 2009
pigies i am a 9 year old student at hurupaki school and i disagree with the way you are treating pigs.They deserve better than that!!!!!.>:( - b.j clendon, 28th May 2009
pigs I'm a 9yr student at Hurupaki primary and think its very sad and cruel to treat pigs so badly by caging them at all,no animals deserve to be treated this way. - Haka Corkery, 28th May 2009
End Cruel Pig Farming We have just read an article re how Mike King uncovered the cruelty that exists in your country to farming pigs. We always thought that New Zealand was a lovely country but with this going on, it cannot call itself a civil or humane place and certainly not a place one would want to visit - Pamela Sabatini, 28th May 2009
Let pigs have good lives I am a student at Hurupaki School and I have been researching pigs and their living conditions. I don't like the way New Zealand farmers are treating pigs by keeping them in cages they can't even move in. I would like to see pigs living in paddocks or bigger spaces to run around in. - Eden Smith, 27th May 2009
treatment of pigs To Whom it may concern,
I am writing to say how shocked I was to hear of the living conditions that pigs are forced to live in. I am not a vegetarian but I believe that as an advanced nation we should try to make sure these animals have good living conditions and are spared and un due suffering. We live in a country where space for farming is surly not an issue. If this means an slight increase in the cost of bacon, pork and other products then you will probably find the end customer happy to pay it.
Increasing the cost of eggs that are free range has proven very successful and was welcomed by the public. This has gotten to the point where may people will refuse to eat eggs that are not free range. I am sure this will one day be the same for pigs. And the public will look favourably on those businesses that act first to improve the living conditions for these animals.
Kind Regards, - John Stewart, 27th May 2009
Put your money where your mouth is Get in the cages with the pigs. For an hour. Better yet, get in the cage next to the dead pig. See how you like it! - Lauren Miller, 27th May 2009
Welfare code for pigs I am writing to express my concerns I have over the current Animal Welfare (Pigs) Code of Welfare.
The cruel conditions that pigs are subjected to are something that the New Zealand pork board should be deeply ashamed of. I hope with all my heart that you are hearing the pleas of so many New Zealanders and some real changes start to occur surrounding this important issue. Profit does not have to equal this hellish treatment to animals!
"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." - Mahatma Gandhi
Sincerely, - Gemma Clark, 27th May 2009
DISGUSTING & ABUSSIVE!!!!! I may be small but I have HUGE points :
1.Would You like to be treated like how you're treating these pigs hmm? don't think so.
2. I drew up a pregnant sow's cage on my drive way and lay down inside it and my legs were sticking out the end and a fully grown pig is probably much bigger than I am
so please think deeply about the points I have brought up. - Breanna-W-Gibbs :), 27th May 2009
cruelty to pigs I am a 9 year old student at Hurupaki School and I am disgusted with how pigs are being treated. I think pig should be able to have a good life because everyone only gets one shot at life and pigs are very important in our lifes so..... GIVE THEM THE BEST CHANCE THEY HAVE GOT!!!!!!! - Madi, 27th May 2009
Stop cruel farming of pigs Please stop all the cruel farming methods used on pigs. I have stopped buying pork that is non free range. Consumers do not want to be party to cruel treatment of animals. - YH Lee, 26th May 2009
pigs in cages I am a 9 year old Hurupaki school student. I am disgusted with the way your farmers are treating pigs. My mum buys free range bacon but there are lots of other meats from pigs and people wont buy them if they know what is happening. How would you feel if you were kept in small cages with diseases spreading a round? - lewis miller, 26th May 2009
pigs in cages Dear Pork Board
I strongly disagree with how the pigs are getting treated because they all have basic needs just like us humans. Also pigs are very close to humans and therefore I think they should be treated in a more fair way.
Yours sincerely, - Chiara , 26th May 2009
Cruelty to pigs Pigs are more intelligent than dogs, so why treat pigs different than dogs. It is cruel to treat pigs like this and I think it should STOP!!!! - Damien Potter, 26th May 2009
pigs Hi I am a student at Hurupaki School and I disagree that you should keep pigs in cages. If one pig gets a disease all the other pigs could get sick too. Free range pigs is the only sort of pigs everyone should eat. - Hayley Donovan, 25th May 2009
NO MORE PORK FOR THIS LITTLE PIGGIE UNTIL CRATES ARE OUTLAWED! Dear NZ Pork and David Carter respectively,
Since viewing the programme Sunday on 17th and 24th of May 2009 I have officially banned pork from my diet. Ham, bacon, pork, salami, that may have traces of pork, and any other grocery item that may, even minutely, contain traces of pork. My husband has followed suit and so have my child and friends. I speak to every person I possibly can to ask them if they are still eating pork and most of them have said that after watching the programme on Sunday they will not consume this product. I will endeavour to enlist the aid of as many people as I can to make sure this continues!
These animals have been kept in conditions so appalling that it makes me feel ill to think it is happening in our country, that I have been ignorant enough to consume a product that has the origins of animal cruelty, and that my government has allowed this travesty to occur. The biggest down fall of a government or organisation is when they install the perception of personal agenda. As far as I am concerned the personal agenda of making money, profit and esteem has far out-weighed the simple value of what is right and what is wrong. This 'NAWAC' vet has stood on national television and effectively skirted the question at hand, a slap to the intelligence of this country and its people. 'How do we know what the pig thinks'? What an idiotic, insulting and condescending question that was! As for the farmer in Levin who questions the right of SAFE to enter his property when he is fully aware of his cruelty towards animals and doesn't give a damn because of some code of ethics that was never even questioned by those in power. Sure he's not breaking the 'legal' law but has anyone asked the question that is he breaking the 'moral' law.
I, as a tax payer, as a New Zealander and as a voter, I want crate farming to be OUTLAWED, AXED, ERADICATED immediately. I don't want to hear of policies, procedures and personal agendas, I don't want some trumped up farmer hiding behind a code of farming that should NEVER have been approved, what I want is a solution to the problem right here and right now.
It's quite simple...do the right thing, not in a month or a year, but right now. We have crime out of control, our children are being denied the chance of equal education and our history is not even spoken about in the curriculum of most schools, our health system is stretched to the limit and our departments are crippled by policies and procedures. If there is one thing that you can change it is the abuse of animals at the mercy of our need for power and control, they don't care about our political agendas, they simple want to be free.
With everything that is happening globally with regards to the swine flu, have you learnt nothing?
Yours sincerely - Heather Hayhurst , 25th May 2009
pig farming in NZ I will never purchase any pork products bearing the NZ Pork Board logo, ever again. The farming practices of raising pigs indoors, in pens, that is endorsed by the NZ Pork Board, is totally inhumane and disgraceful. It should be stopped immediately. - Fiona Dunkley, 25th May 2009
A Rethink is needed Hello
I am deeply concerned by the images of mistreated pigs on TV. This practice is banned in Europe and should be banned here.
I am losing faith in eating meat and reconsidering any support for your cruel industry.
Unless fast action is taken by you to stop putting pigs in crates I will vow to never eat pork again.
Thanks - Sam Stocker, Wellington, 25th May 2009
Stop factory pig farming To whom it may concern
I was deeply scarred recently over the sunday news documentary that sheds light over the cruel and barbaric ill treatment of pigs in the nations pig farming industry. The thought struck me that if this treatment was done upon domestic animals these so called "pig farmers" would be put in jail, yet these businesses are being protected by the law. As a very concerned new zealander i urge you to rethink the legislation that allows pigs to be kept in very small cages for months upon time where they are confined, do not have adequate space to turn around, or even to socialise with the other pigs. I have never felt sto strongly and so horrified by an issue such as this in my life and guarentee that i will do as much as i can to stop the ill treatment of all animals. I hope that you realise that good and healthy pig farming can be achived and punishing these poor defenceless animals to a life of exile and cruelty not only shows the true colours of your character but also of the pig farmers. Please help us actively change this.
thank you. - Komal Achari, 25th May 2009
free range pork Dear NZ Pork
This is to let you know that I am one of the many thousands who has chosen to no longer buy pork products unless they are certified free range. I would be interested to know what has happened in terms of pork sales in the last few weeks as everybody I know has sworn off pork in favour of free range lamb, beef and chicken. If England can outlaw sow crates I think it's time we did the same. However, you'll probably only notice when we start voting with our dollar so this is mine. - Diana Clarke, 24th May 2009
pigs Why are you doing this to these poor poor creatures? There lovely but why should they life there in these conditions. You will get more good comments about your pork if there free ranged. I'm not eating pork again. I'm sorry if i upset you with my words. thank you for listen to my email
- sarah, 24th May 2009
Third World status To the Management,
Below is a copy of the letter I've just sent through to the Minister of Agriculture. I will now be dedicating every spare moment to support the ending of this inhumane practice — which cements our Third World status.
PLEASE END this unacceptable unconscious practice NOW.
Dear Minister,
I remember reading about the cruel practice of crate breeding pigs some time ago and promptly gave up eating pork products. However, after reading today's Herald article. where Mike King (comedian) was taken into a pig farm and shown the horrific conditions that are imposed on these intelligent animals, I now have to do whatever it takes to put a stop to this.
The pigs were screaming, chewing metal bars, unable to move, and frothing at the mouth.
Third World countries are vilified for skinning animals alive, slicing off the skulls of living monkeys in restaurants, so they can eat their brains as well as many other disgusting practices. By allowing this practice to continue, New Zealand is 'down there' with our cruel and barbaric treatment of these animals and it's time something was done to end it.
In that same article, the Pork Industry Board came out with an inane statement, that 'it would cost millions of dollars' to reverse this cruelty.
I don't believe any 'conscious' human being would ever participate in such an 'unconscious' inhumane practice.
Live sheep exports are included.
Yours faithfully, - Mary, 24th May 2009
NZ Pork Board To the NZ Pork Industry
On Sunday night we had a delicious roast pork (supermarket purchased) dinner. What we saw on TV ruined that.
We are now boycotting ALL pork and pork products until the NZ Pork Industry wakes up to the fact that consumers are not prepared to buy their product due to their unethical treatment of animals. Furthermore we will be influencing other people we know to also boycott your product.
We WILL buy independently (ie not NZ Pork Board) certified products, and products from local farms where we can see for ourselves that the animals are treated properly. I'm afraid you and your members have lost your credibility, particularly by what we saw on Monday night TV. Evasion and smears.
Once SAFE (who, incidentally, we knew little of until Sunday) can state that they are happy with NZ Pork Board products, then we will buy your product. Please forward our message to your producers.
Regards, - J and S Dickson, 24th May 2009
SAFE/Mike King television program Dear Sir/Madam
As a direct result of the SAFE/Mike King television program my family and I will not be purchasing any pork products in the near future. I commend Mr King and SAFE for exposing the barbaric treatment of pigs in New Zealand. For to long we have kept our heads in the sand whilst this blatant cruelty prevails, not any more.
Regards
- Steve, 24th May 2009
Great horror of pork It was with great horror that my family and I watched the report of intensive pig farming on “Sunday”. We already only buy free range eggs and chicken products because of the conditions other chickens are subjected to, and felt sure that when we only bought “100% NZ Pork” we were safe from buying pork from inhumane factory farms. Obviously this is not the case! It is irrelevant what Mike King’s motive was in reporting this, as is currently being debated, we are just happy to know the truth so we can do something about it. The Agricultural Minister’s response was also inadequate. Don’t deny knowledge, and don’t make out it is an isolated case, just express that you will find out and do what you can to start to rectify the situation. How can we have sheep and cows farmed successfully in open paddocks then say we cannot afford the same decency to other animals? We will now be sure to ask specifically for free range pork products until welfare laws are changed enough to make a difference. Thank you to the “real” animal welfare organisations (such as SPCA and SAFE) out there that are trying to make a difference.
- Rianne, 24th May 2009
Blatant disregard for animal welfare We have been appalled not only by the pictures of blatant disregard for animal welfare attributed to members of your industry on television over the past few days, but equally by the arrogant and overly defensive response by your industry representatives to this issue.
The statistics being bandied about in the media are a very poor attempt to deceive the public into believing that your industry is performing in a more humane way than it is. To claim that over 30% of sows are not kept in stalls simply tries to hide the fact that almost 70% therefore are still being housed in stalls.
Furthermore, your Mr Trengrove’s assertion that only 10% “of the industry” used sow stalls is simply another attempt to mislead the public as to the extent of this problem. One doesn’t need to be a rocket scientist to understand that this does not mean that only 10% of the animals are being kept in this appalling manner, as if this statistic means 10% of pig farmers keep their animals this way the number of animals subjected to this barbaric treatment could represent as much as 70% of the total pig population.
We may be only one small household but we have made a conscious decision not to buy pork or any pork products until such time as the industry can demonstrate that it has disposed of the current barbaric farming practices that are obviously much more prevalent in the industry than you would have the public believe.
In disgust,
- Karyn and Ian, 24th May 2009
I'm talking to you! I'm talking directly to you: the Corporation of pork growers.
I have seen first-hand what you do, and it keeps me up at night wondering how YOU manage to sleep. All of the excuses in the world will never convince me that you care for or have ever cared for these animals; you are blinded by dollar signs and how much profit you can squeeze out of them. This is my definition of evil.
You've been hiding your atrocious crimes, and you will go down in history as monsters, walking alongside the other violent oppressors of our times.
Just because you could, you did, and you hid it from us because you knew it was shameful. We wandered around in our apathetic lives thinking NZ really was a nice place for animals, when they were hidden away in the dungeons that you call farms, being quietly driven insane, while you watched, and profited.
Wake up and smell the pig s##t boys, because your times of getting rich from this economic cruelty is over.
I will never purchase a product that comes from a pig again and I will be yelling from the rooftops of these injustices.
You should be ashamed of yourselves. - D Matthews, 24th May 2009
Crate farming of pigs I wish to appeal the to NZ Pork Board to repeal the conditions that allow farmers to use crates either for intensive pig farming or sow crates. Neither way is acceptable to the wellbeing of the animals and to use any excuse for treating the animals in such a way as this is not acceptable.
The public of NZ need to have their pork and bacon products listed so they support the farmers that are at least giving their animals a better quality of life. Also the pork board needs non pig farmers on the board to give the animals more chance of getting a fair deal. - Gail Brown, 24th May 2009
Time for Change I'll keep this short, as I am sure someone will just be hitting the delete key. Just wanted to voice my concern regarding the current legislation that allows the inhumane treatment of factory farmed pigs. Whether the law does or doesn't allow it, I think its time for change. The public have an awareness now, I will not buy any pork products unless I know that they have been raised in a 100% free range environment and I am sure there are many more consumers out there that feel the same. Its time for change. - maree, 24th May 2009
PIG FARMING CRUELTY I have read and seen all sides to this issue .I will never eat pork again! .Also I find your (NZ pork board) continuous defence on using sow crates callous and intent on only when thing ,keeping up a false image of what happens on pig farms. - carla, 24th May 2009
Use of Sow Crates in New Zealand Although we have a long way to go, the ethical treatment of animals within our food production systems is taking a higher and higher priority within consumers minds.
The use of sow stalls and farrowing crates is seen by the public in almost all developed countries as an area of concern.
With recent developments in the local media and global consumer pressure mounting, it would be in the long term financial interest of the New Zealand Pork Industry to adapt to these changes before local and international markets are affected. By adopting voluntary standards in line with these trends the New Zealand Pork Industry could ultimately become both an efficient producer of free range pork and a world leading brand.
Kind Regards - Sam Brown, 24th May 2009
pig farming in NZ To whom it may concern,
Please act know to stop the cruelty of pig farming in New Zealand. We live in a country with a lot of land and I can not understand why pigs do not have the simple right to have a life where they can follow simple animal needs such as running around, being social with other pigs.
Would you treat your kids dog like that and if yes, what would your child think about you?
Animals are living creatures and are not born without any emotions and needs.
I do believe that if the pork industry does not act fast to secure a pigs life without torture, the consumer will act and the impact of that will be way more expensive than a price increase of $ 2.
I do understand that we export a lot of meat and I am sure that these images will irritate consumers all around the world. So please, act now, create environments and places that care for pigs so people can eat there meat again without supporting an industry that works with torture methods.
Kind regards
- Judith Holtebrinck, 24th May 2009
Shame on you! I cannot believe the state those poor pigs are kept in! Shame on you, pork products are off my grocery list! I hope you get an overwhelming amount of emails regarding this matter as it is totally unacceptable. - S Kelly, 24th May 2009
It would be illegal if we did this to dogs. There is no difference. It would be illegal if we did this to dogs. There is no difference. - zac sam, 24th May 2009
recipies You treat pigs like you don't give a flying F about their welfare, just about the money. Well don't worry, one day it will be you in that pen! F'n yours. - tom lloyd, 24th May 2009
pig farming After viewing the article on pig farming on the Sunday show, and listening to the fudging and back-pedalling from the pork industry and the minister for agriculture,I am convinced there is something deeply wrong in our country.I have not eaten meat for 13 years,but buy for my family...no more-you have lost another customer,and I ,as a New Zealand citizen,demand you make this right-it makes it worse that these animals are intelligent enough to know how miserable their lives are-it would still be a crime regardless,but somehow it makes one feel all the more wretched-did you see the way that freed pig took great lungfuls of grass smell?imagine if you had to live your life in fear and squalor,only to be taken to an abattoir and killed-maybe that will be your fate,in another life.I sincerely hope so. - clare elliott, 23rd May 2009
pig greed The cruel treatment for the sake of the almighty dollar once again removes all belief in any form of humane behaviour.
The purchase of pork from retail outlets is now no longer considered in our household. The so called legal code is beyond any form of well being.
jo and mal bonner - jo & mal bonner, 23rd May 2009
Crate Pig Farming I am an animal lover and couldn't believe my eyes when I saw the documentary about pigs being kept in such small crates for what must seem to them an eternity. How cruel and barbaric!! I will no longer buy pork for my family until the NZ Pork Board makes drastic changes to the cruel legislation allowing this to happen.
New Zealanders will show their support for Mike and SAFE by boycotting the products until something changes for the better, for the pigs. - Kay Marsh, 23rd May 2009
Unhappy with Intensive Farming Hi,
We are an average kiwi family. We have always brought ham, bacon and pork. We are now vegetarians! We have no plans to convert back in the near future. Our turning point was seeing the cruel and dishonerable treatment of pigs. Now you know the facts about why this is not ok - what are you going to do about it? We will never buy pork again until we KNOW it is all free range. Neither should we be importing intensively farmed animals. This is a moral choice and NZ should lead by example. Please prove that you are capable of change and integrity.
Thanks
The Parsons Family. - Jane parsons, 23rd May 2009
pork I find it completely incomprehensible how anyone can consider factory farming where animals are no more than production machines and forced to live a life of misery. I feel ashamed to be a New Zealander knowing these cruel practices are happening. The images looked more like conditions in China! If ethical farming was more important than money then this form of cruelty would not be allowed and farmers wouldn't want to be part of it. Every living thing has the intrinsic right to live a life free of fear and suffering. This form of farming also says something about the callousness of those who support it and I think of a line of a song which says"Whence came the souls of those terrible men" Cruelty on any level can't be justified and trying to use scientific reasons to support and sanction the cruelty doesn't wash. Don't blame the consumer by the greed of the producer! - Elizabeth Mather, 23rd May 2009
Pig cruelty To the NZ Pork Board:
I would like you to know that I am appalled at the disgustingly cruel treatment of pigs that is allowed in this country, in particular intensive farming and sow crates.
The law must be radically altered immediately to stop this shameful practice forever.
How would you like to be put in a cage where you can't even turn around? I think we would call them concentration camps (or worse) if we did it to humans. All creatures have social and emotional needs, as well as physical needs.
It would be illegal if we did this to dogs. There is no difference. - S Alexander, 23rd May 2009
So its only the $ you understand ! Morally bankrupt and deficient is the Label all those in the pork industry wear who say "its Legal" to treat pigs this way.
You have my sympathy for the self inflicted lobotomy you have given yourselves.
You will understand the financial plunge your sales will experience.This will be evident to the public via your PR advertising campaign to hoodwink the purchasers. A decent anti inhumane pig treatment campaign should scold you into Law change via the loss of sales and no $'s !!
I can only talk for myself - no more pork until a Law change. I hope you are deluged by these type of E mails, and better still that your sales fall to zero. You'd understand that.
Signed,
Michael T
Not part of the silent majority. - Michael Turnwald, 23rd May 2009
Sow and farrow stalls
Please support the implementation of a change in the laws in NZ that would make any use of sow and farrow stalls illegal and immediately implement policies of your own to stop their use as they are clearly cruel.
Saying that farmers who use them love their animals (as your representative did on national radio) is clearly a very liberal interpretation of love. Killing an animal is already cruel, making their lives miserable as well is unacceptable. Although it is easy to get used to standard practices this does not make them acceptable.
Compassion can come before profits. Please help this to happen.
Sunflower Feltham
- Sunflower Feltham, 22nd May 2009
GIVE PIGS A BREAK! I live in Australia and the treatment of pigs here is no better than it is in NZ.
The sad truth is the NZ Pork Board and their producers could not care less about the treatment of pigs in NZ piggeries, if they did then they would happily open their doors to the public so that consumers can see how pigs are treated before they end up on their plates, but oh no if this was to happen then I imagine the whole of NZ would never eat pork again, and the same goes for Australians if they were able to see what goes on behind the farm gates. - Mirander Hodge, 22nd May 2009
PIG ABUSE MUST STOP It really is time that the NZ Pork Board and their producers wake up to the fact that the whole world is aware of its mistreatment of pigs.
Those who make their living off the backs of animals, in this case pigs, should have respect for these animals, not do everything they can to ensure pigs live a life of misery. The treatment of pigs in NZ piggeries is clearly horrific and immoral, as human beings we are better than this.
I dare those who profit off the backs of pigs to open their factory doors for the world to see.
Truth is piggeries in NZ have a lot to hide, one would think they would want to operate humanely and be proud of their humane treatment of animals, but this is simply not the case and that is tragic.
The footage I have seen so far clearly shows that NZ pig producers have no ethics and absolutely no respect for pigs. I certainly will not be buying pork when I next visit NZ.
Utterly Appalled - Susan Ronaldson, 22nd May 2009
CLEAN UP YOUR ACT As an animal love I am of course horrified when I learn of any production animal being treated inhumanely.
Those who profit off the backs of animals must have respect for them, in this case pigs.
Who can possibly sit down and eat pork knowing that the pig the meat has come from has been exploited in ways that turn the toughest of stomachs.
I am not against people eating meat, however I am against and appalled by producers who treat the animals they profit from, (the same animals that put food on their tables and a roof over their heads)in such sadistic ways, it is as if many pork producers have nothing but utter contempt for pigs.
Time for the Pork Industry to clean up its act and stop exploiting the hand that feeds it. - Stephanie Dyer, 22nd May 2009
a plea i know you consider profits more important than animals but please remember that their blood is on your hands. - alex ogle, 22nd May 2009
sow stalls Please, please, I implore you - please have compassion for these animals that don't have a choice. To be caged without a choice is my greatest fear in life, as it would be for any of these beautiful animals. If they are to grace our tables with their precious givings, then please do not make their lives less than they should be. They deserve to be treated humanely! How dare we treat these animals with such contempt!! What right have we humans to dictate that they should be confined!!! I challenge you to place yourself in the pigs confinement for just one day and see how it feels to not be able to move or not even have the choice!! And these pigs have suffered this way for far too long. Every other animal (with exception of our chickens) is farmed out in the paddocks to live their short lives doing what God intended, to feel the grass beneath their feet and to move freely amongst one another. To rip any living being of that right is a crime. I am so ashamed that this barbaric treatment is happening in our very own "clean green NZ" We are no different to China who keeps their bears in the same way. I am ashamed to call myself a New Zealander now, even though I haven't supported the pork industry for years, because I knew how things were then. You can sleep in your bed tonight, and move around freely, but I ask you to think with every free movement you make, to ask yourself if it is really necessary that you are denying so many beautiful creatures that same right that u have!!! - Joy Ivich, 22nd May 2009
Have a little respect! You lot should be ashamed of yourselves. Life is not all about money, why would you want to work in an industry that chooses cheaper options so that pigs suffer; just so that you can make more money. It is disgusting and you are setting a horrible example to our future generations. Modern farming methods are all about money: not animal welfare. So to whoever reads this, please consider being at least a little compassion and stop being so ignorant!!!!! - samantha thomas, 22nd May 2009
Just seen ya ad You guys are lucky they didn't use some more informative shots on the TV Ad cause it's a lot rougher then what was shown.
I've seen pig farmers in America throwing "800mm long pigs" into the concrete ground so hard that they bounced. That's pretty sick, but whats worse? Making an animal grow, feed, piss, and shit in the same cage, so tight that they can't move!!!
Those pigs are going out of their f**k'n mind!!!
I own 2 dogs and i've been told that pigs are smarter then dogs, christ i can't believe the pain they must be suffering.
If reincarnation exists ur well an truly stuffed.
If God exists you can deal with that in ur own time.
If money is all u care about in life, keep on going the way ur going, in fact u could probably fit 2 pigs into 1 pen "back to back". In fact draw a picture. 2 pigs "back 2 back" both standing on their hind legs with their front legs on top the front highest bar. It would be a little tight but u'd double the profit.
Bottom Line.
Just cause terrible shit happens all over the world doesn't make it acceptable for it to happen in NZ.
Pull ya head in. I hope Mike King drops a bomb on ya arse!!! - Jase Metcalfe, 22nd May 2009
So cruel Would you like to be treated the same way these pigs have been treated? I don't think so. Don't treat pigs like that, its cruelty to animals. Its Alegel. - Jessica, 22nd May 2009
LISTEN TO YOUR CUSTOMERS Some free marketing advice:
Surely the way of gaining the biggest customer share is to give the customers what they're wanting?
Rather than paying hefty sums for an advertising campaign, it's all here for you.....time for a change, dudes.......
OK, maybe you will need to put a smattering of your profits into redesigning cages & factory layouts to enlist a new humane level of meeting consumer demand (& they WILL be watching you!).....because consumers ARE smart, and they won't let you 'slip the ham' from under them........
This IS a tide of change that isn't going to just go away.
And, it will most certainly be on the questioning lips of your very own children as they enquire how you're involved - are you ready to lie to them? We ARE watching.....
Jackie Farina - Radio Show Host - ChCh - Jackie Sheehan, 22nd May 2009
Pigs in crates I couldn't believe to finally find out that this is the way we treat our animals. I thought we were a civilized country. Every animal has a right to a reasonable life. This is disgusting. Give these pigs a free range.. I will never buy pork again or any pork related products. STOP THIS CRUELTY NOW. - Margaret Head, 22nd May 2009
I love pork Dear NZ Pork Industry
I love pork. In fact my wife makes the best pork sausages in the southern hemisphere, proper Lincolnshire Pork Sausages. When you go to Lincolnshire or Norfolk and Suffolk (in England), you see hundreds of happy pigs out in the fields with their little shelters. Why do we have to put up with the appalling crate system here! The excuses we hear from you are the same that we heard from the poultry industry. And yet free-range eggs are now the popular choice of the consumer. You have been allowed to operate the crate system, only because the public are not aware of the situation. The world is changing, and that change is like a road roller. Get on board or be part of the road.
Regards
David - David, 21st May 2009
Sunday Programme ATTENTION:Mr.Trengrove/Mr. McIvor,
The 'Sunday ' programme was a major statement that brought disgust and anger at how such a situation could arise. However, above all, it raised a huge number of questions both directly through the programme and subsequently in the media follow-up of how shambolic and morally corrupt this important industry presents itself. It appears crudely organised and therefore commercially very vulnerable. It also made me question for the first time an industry that has a relatively low profile in the context of our rural landscape. So being under the radar it may have manipulated the legal guidance imposed on it to justify unacceptable standards for too long.
Having now listened to the immediate media reaction and read your statements of rebuttal or explanation as to the allegations I am clear at this point in time that the Board is attempting to fulfil its key written objective "MORE PROFIT FROM PORK" by actions that are more akin to a 1950s business model. This is accompanied by primitive attitudes and values reflective of that time. Thereby excluding any consumer relevant innovation, enlightenment and simple care. All of which are normal in a prosperous, civilized, 21st century society. On this observation alone the Board is only going through the motions. This laziness and self-interest will certainly ensure future failure for an industry that has worldwide acceptance and many consumer orientated positives. The Board has a funding procedure from all members but appears to exercise no innovative governance or apply any relevant compliance to the industry hence the horrific pictorial content of 'Sunday'.
Learn to lead and innovate to greater profit. Complacency, silence and lies will take the industry down. And rightly so. It is clear that as an ex NZPIB Regional Chairman Mr Kay, [now identified as a significant producer and the catalyst for the disgust that is rolling round NZ] truly encapsulates and represents the primitive, totally unacceptable manner in which the Board is projecting itself.
It time to take the high road, lead, demonstrate responsibility and bring this important industry into the 21st century. Set a world-class agenda, stop cringing behind irrelevant legislation and other countries standards. The NZ consumer deserves respect. NZ wool, beef and dairy lead and innovate globally extremely well. An attitude change is probably beyond you if your current statements in the media and webpages summarise your thinking [and your actions within the past 24 hours]. The solution is a massive consumer switch to free-range and free-farmed product, a new smart, enlightened and consumer sensitive Board that will sever the dead-hand management that prevails and allow the industry to shift into world leadership mode. Do the decent thing resign, as all actions within the past 48 hours clearly demonstrate that the sad values of the Board will only ensure the demise of the industry. If you don't change quickly, then the consumer will act with serious economic consequences. Why buy from such a contemptuous source? You cannot hide any more.
My very best in your future endeavours as you must now leave this potentially great product to smart, enlightened innovators who will surely prosper along with the pride and satisfaction of all NZers.
John Pearce - John Pearce, 21st May 2009
Stop abhorrent practises Dear Mr McIvor
We are private citizens and regular consumers of bacon, ham and pork. Until now we have gone out of our way to ensure all pork and pork products we purchase are grown in New Zealand only, in order to support NZ's pork industry producers. We have also assumed that NZ pigs are raised in good and humane conditions. However having viewed tonight's Close Up programme we now see that we were sadly mistaken. We have never before been moved to write to any party after having viewed something concerning them on television. But having watched tonight's Close Up expose of the abhorrent conditions under which pigs are being kept in NZ we write to express our anger, disgust and disbelief that such inhumane treatment can occur anywhere in NZ.
The footage we viewed tonight is a disgrace and a shame to you and your Board and all involved in the pig production industry who either tolerate and/or themselves follow these barbaric practices. As from tonight we shall ensure we purchase no further pork or pork products of any type whatsoever unless they are
a) certified free range, free from cruelty and
b) grown in New Zealand.
We shall also support any moves to introduce robust mandatory regulation and/or legislation that vastly improves the minimum standards of care, including minimum proper space, necessary for humane treatment of these highly intelligent animals. We have now perused the Pig Welfare Regulations. The tiny minimum space per pig permitted by these, which we understand the industry including your Board lobbied for and in effect actually drafted yourselves, is ridiculous. We note your Board's Objectives are solely concerned with making the best possible returns for pig farmers and increasing industry profitability. To argue as was suggested on tonight's programme that pig farmers must make a profit and therefore somehow these cruel practices are legitimate, is equally ridiculous. If it is true, as was claimed, that you and your Board along with the industry are actively opposing stronger legislation that would guarantee humane treatment for NZ pigs, that is shameful indeed.
Undoubtedly lobby groups already exist to pressure supermarkets and other outlets for pork products, to only sell guaranteed free range, humanely produced, pork. We shall make it our business to fully support such pressure, to ensure that any pork grown in the barbaric circumstances we saw tonight, has no market.
Equally, we would be pleased to support total bans on pork and pork products produced offshore IF and only IF we could be certain that all NZ grown pork is indeed raised in clean, humane, and spacious conditions - not, in the appalling misery we saw tonight. The only positive point in the footage shown tonight was the pig farmer who raises open range pigs, humanely, and is able to still operate profitably. If some pig farmers can do this, why can't they all? There is no acceptable excuse for this horrible treatment of many NZ pigs and the need to make a profit - or perhaps sheer greed - certainly does not legitimise the cruelty meted out to thousands of NZ pigs, every day of their lives.
You and your Board do the industry a grave disservice by not moving forcefully and urgently to address the glaring deficiencies that clearly exist no matter what gloss is attempted. We are sure that our reaction is typical of the many viewers who will have watched tonight's footage with the same sense of horrified disbelief that we did. We are equally sure that the NZ pork industry will face a huge consumer backlash until proper standards for the humane care of NZ pigs are implemented, rigorously enforced, and actually observed by all involved in the industry.
We request that you and your Board ensure that the abhorrent practises shown tonight, immediately cease. We further request you and your Board support new, robust, enforceable legislation that absolutely precludes any repetition of the dreadful conditions under which pigs are currently being forced to exist in NZ piggeries.
Sincerely
Shelley and Peter
- Shelley and Peter, 21st May 2009
The treatment of pigs Dear Mr McIvor,
I was absolutely upset to the core by the video footage seen on Sunday night - as upset as I am when I see the outcome of child abuse in this country. The shame of this practice is as bad in my books.
Your comments on the radio yesterday, that not all are like this, just made me angrier. Its like saying, not all the kids were beaten till they had brain damage, only 10% were. Well 10% or 5% or 30% is too much. Its not about ratio, its about what is right.
I quote you from 1ZB, Spokesman Sam McIvor says the industry is phasing out long-term use of sow crates - and is halfway to achieving that. He says the plan will see the time pigs spend in crates reduced to four weeks. Mr McIvor says consumers need choice and some people are happy to pay a premium for free-range products.
Your comments are a cop out. Its about education and supply. Cut the supply of pork that is farmed inappropriately. The immigrant population Polynesians and Asians eat a lot of pork. They come from countries with a history of diabolical animal welfare. Educate them. People will always choose what is cheaper but not what is better.
If you are a father, do you take your kids on school trips to the very farms you sell the pork from? Do you brag about your great job with your mates, about how you and your work colleagues, abuse animals and create undue stress for them, but its okay as Mr and Mrs T from Otara want cheap pork.
Is it not time to acknowledge you are CEO of an industry that makes money from misery. Make your suppliers come into line with outlawing the practice witnessed on the TV last night. Farm pigs how they like to live with their toilet away from their food and sleeping areas. Allow them the joy of free range how we all used to get our meat products.
If I am just sounding like a mad woman, having an emotional rant, please feel free to show me and in turn all NZ public, the farms you get your meat from and let us as citizens, make an informed decision on the way pork is farmed in NZ. Open the doors and be transparent.
Of if you only have 50% of farms farming ethically, mark it on the packs so we as consumers can pick the meat from farms who give a damn.
In closing, thank god for Freedom Farms when the Pork board has employed the ilk of un-human beings it has.
Pip - Pip, 21st May 2009
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