RSPCA Victoria has given evidence at a public hearing for the inquiry into pig welfare in Victoria following its submission in January 2024.

Speaking at the hearing, RSPCA Victoria’s Head of Prevention, Rebecca Cook, said there was great potential to improve the lives of Victoria’s farmed pigs.

“Pigs are social and intelligent animals and good animal welfare must be inherent in farm animal production,” Ms Cook said.

“While our submission made 18 recommendations, there are a few main areas we’d like to see improved such as increasing investment into research into alternative stunning methods, phasing out close confinement such as sow stalls and conventional farrowing crates, providing enrichment for pigs instead of barren environments, and ending painful husbandry procedures for piglets.

“We know the pig farming industry has made a lot of progress, however there are some existing farming and husbandry practices causing pain, injury, suffering and distress to thousands of animals.

“We’re committed to working with farming communities and other stakeholders to ensure continuous improvement so that’s pigs have a good life and a humane death.”

RSPCA Victoria believes making these changes can bring Victoria’s pork industry in line with world leaders such as the UK, New Zealand, and Canada, making it more sustainable.

For more information, visit RSPCA Knowledgebase here. Read the RSPCA’s submission to the inquiry here.