Leon on Wheels, May 2014
There’s no stopping him now! At just over three weeks of age, little Leon Trotsky has more spunk than most who are ten times his size and he has already beaten the odds not once but twice. Being born a ‘farm’ pig, Leon was destined for the plate, but then an accident caused by his injured mum (which claimed the life of two of his siblings) saw Leon up against it again. With his right hind femur both broken and dislocated, plus an injured hock and ligament damage on the other side, things could not have looked much grimmer for the wee chap. But no one told the plucky little Leon that these obstacles of his world should hold him back. His life was precious, and thankfully this was recognised by a kind hearted soul who sought a better outcome for Leon.
Why $73.5 Million of Pig Semen Will Be Flying to China
China consumes half the pork in the world and the Chinese government has been taking measures to ensure no shortage can occur. Earlier this year, Chinese company Shuanghui International Holdings bought the world’s largest pork producer, Virginia-based Smithfield Foods, for $7.1 billion; the Chinese government maintains a strategic reserve of pork. Half of the world’s pigs now reside in China and that number seems likely to increase. This past week, the Chinese government finalized an agreement to import $73.5 million of pig semen from the U.K.
Animal welfare drives Tasmanian piggery innovation
ABC Rural Rosemary Grant Updated Fri 13 Sep 2013, 9:37 AM AEST
Alan Broomby is moving to house his sows in groups of 30 per shed, with plenty of room to roam
Rose Grant
Tasmania is leading the nation in implementing new welfare regulations for commercial pig farms.
The state government has restricted the use of gestation stalls to no more than 10 days around mating.
Winkleigh pork producer, Alan Broomby is adapting to the new welfare code and making major changes in housing and managing his sows.
“We pride ourselves here on taking good care of our pigs,” Alan Broomby said.
“We try and grow our pigs to the highest welfare we can.”
Say “NO” to gestation crates for pigs! September 2013
Millions of pigs are confined inside gestation crates — cages so small they’re unable even to turn around. Its like living in an airline seat!
The pork industry’s leadership continues to defend the indefensible: Locking animals in these tiny, cramped cages. It’s hard to imagine a more miserable existence than being immobilized day and night.
Many food giants such as McDonald’s, Burger King and Costco have announced they will eliminate gestation crates — small cages used to confine breeding pigs — from their pork supply chains, but we still have a lot of work to do.
We need your help – sign on with us and millions of animal lovers worldwide today and say “NO” to gestation crates for pigs.
Wonderful World of Non Human Animals 