NPA responds to Sky News story

The NPA has issued a statement in response to Sky News footage of animals being mistreated on a pig farm in Lincolnshire.

The footage, which will be shown throughout Wednesday, was taken in April via a number of cameras left on the farm. When the business became aware of the footage, it initiated an immediate investigation and subsequently the four staff involved in the video footage have had their employment terminated.

In a statement given to Sky News, the NPA said: “The NPA does not tolerate or condone violence or cruelty towards animals in any way; we are clear that the actions of the individuals depicted in the footage are indefensible and should be treated accordingly.

“Such behaviour is abhorrent to all pig farmers and the business involved, which has acted responsibly and immediately by terminating employment of the members of staff following a thorough investigation and is cooperating fully with the authorities.

“The NPA will take the lead in investigating what further measures can be put in place to prevent any similar incidents from occurring on British pig farms.”

The Godfrey family, who own the farm, along with the company Elsham Linc LTD, told Sky News: "We are shocked by the actions of those involved as their abhorrent behaviour does not represent our business. We are a family run farm where the care and welfare of our pigs is paramount.

"We have been able to identify the four individuals in the film and following an immediate investigation their employment has been terminated."