Cranswick has said it was “horrified to see the unacceptable treatment of pigs” in footage published over the weekend from its Somerby Top farm in Lincolnshire.
The meat supplier said the footage was “historically recorded” and it has since taken action to ensure high welfare standards are enforced.
The Animal Justice Project published footage this weekend filmed between May 2024 and January 2025 which showed cannibalism, violent treatment and improper killing among other negligent welfare actions.
It follows earlier footage published in May from Northmoor Farm where piglets were filmed being slammed onto concrete.
“We find the treatment of the pigs in the footage distressing to watch and we apologise unreservedly for this lapse in our standards,” said Cranswick in a statement. ”It does not in any way reflect the operating practices at our farms today.”
Cranswick has emphasised that the latest video in this case was from January 2025 and it has since brought about significant changes.
“Since May, we have been implementing major changes across all of our farming businesses to address the challenges raised within the footage,” the statement continued.
Cranswick has changed the management team at these farms and staff in footage are no longer work for the business. It has also recruited five full time welfare officers and all staff have been retrained in livestock handling with a focus on animal health and welfare.
The meat supplier is also installing AI enabled CCTV at all of our indoor farms to enable farm staff to monitor the health of the pigs and behaviour of colleagues in real time.
An investigation is taking place by an independent veterinarian, the results of which will be shared when complete.
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The Somerby Farm footage showed cannibalism and prolonged suffering of pigs including one piglet attacked for over 33 hours and another for 46 hours, both dying without intervention.
“This is the worst cannibalism we have ever documented,” said Claire Palmer, director of Animal Justice Project. “Pigs were literally eaten alive, suffering ruptures, infections, and horrific injuries – the result of boredom, overcrowding, and despair. Cranswick created these conditions.”
Pigs were violently handled at the site being beaten, kicked, dragged and struck repeatedly with boards, paddles, and hands. It also showed unfit pigs being transported, improper killing, negligent welfare checks, lighting violations and audit concerns.
“The public should be appalled, and it’s time for an independent, public inquiry into the UK pig industry,” Palmer added.
Red Tractor has suspended the farm with immediate effect and has said it is reviewing the footage.
“It’s important to note that this footage was taken between May 2024 and January 2025, with evidence and allegations only being presented to Red Tractor in August 2025,” said Red Tractor in a statement. ”This delay is concerning and suggests that these activists have prioritised ideology over protecting animal welfare.
”Red Tractor provides a free anonymous whistle-blowing service and we actively encourage anyone with concerns to raise these so that we can investigate immediately.”
AJP has said it is pursuing private prosecution of Cranswick for both Norhmoor Farm and Somerby Top.
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