This is the moment a mother pig and three of her piglets felt grass, sunlight and fresh air for the first time.
The pig and her three piglets were allegedly kept in a concrete pen as the mother was kept alive for breeding – with most of her young slaughtered.
The footage recorded on the 25th of July 2023 shows the moment they all slowly and cautiously leave the back of the truck they were transported in.
They quickly start to explore their new and safe surroundings obviously taking much joy in their newfound freedom.
Lotus Lamb and Sheep Sanctuary in West Sussex organised the recovery of the four pigs, Georgina, three, and her kids Mo, Larry and Curly from a farm in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire.
The rescue operation cost around 500.
The sanctuary recovered the pigs by contacting another organisation, “Pigs in the Woods,” which had put out a plea for their rescue.”
Hayley Hubbard, 51 and owner of the sanctuary said: “Each mum had spent their whole lives kept in concrete pens along with their piglets, who once weaned were sent to slaughter.”
“They had never seen the sky, the sun, never felt grass beneath their feet. They had no enrichment, just four walls.”
“Georgina is only three years old and has spent her life in these conditions, standing in her own waste being used to breed time and time again.”
“The video captures the moment that Georgina, Mo, Larry, and Curly first step out onto grass for the very first time to start their new life at my sanctuary.”
Thankfully, the pigs are now in very good condition and enjoying their new life at the sanctuary despite the facts that the boys of the group had to be castrated.
Hayley, from Pulborough in West Sussex, said: “The pigs are doing great, the two boys have been castrated so that they can stay with their mum and sisters. ”
“They have started to act like pigs should be playful and wallowing.”
Unfortunately, Hayley alleged that the practices still continue at the farm from which the pigs were recovered.
She said: “The farmer is continuing his trade and is allowed to treat animals in this way as they are considered livestock for meat so are not upheld to any animal welfare checks.”
Hayley is no stranger to rescuing animals and has previously recovered 74 sheep at the sanctuary that she funds herself.
Hayley said: “As well as these pigs I have rescued 74 sheep that would have ended up in the food chain all who deserve and need love, care and a home.”
“The costs to care for and feed, treat, general day to day costs of medications for the elderly animals, preventative treatments to stop illness and rental for the land to keep them on is very high.”
“It’s only through these platforms that we can hope to raise funds so that I can continue to save not just these sweet souls but many more.”
“I’m hoping to educate people about these animals so they can make better decisions when it comes to the food they eat and the system that they pay into.”
“I currently fund the whole sanctuary out of my own pocket but feel it is necessary for me to do so as I can not simply sit by and watch these things happen.”
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Clip ID: 583466
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