SPCA investigation into alleged inhumane treatment at BC hog farm ‘stalled’

An investigation into a hog farm in British Columbia, which is facing backlash as a result of a video released by PETA in late April, has hit a snag.

BC SPCA sparked an investigation into the Excelsior Hog Farm near Abbotsford after receiving the video.

From the video, the SPCA found several potential violations of the code of practice, though it is difficult to classify an offence without a time stamp on the video, says Marcie Moriarty, BC SPCA communications officer.

“But, the initial things that stood out were the fact of, of course, deceased animals amongst living animals, animals ranging from piglets in obvious distress, respiratory distress and [a] lame pig, would be definitely situations [which] are concerning,” she said.

The BC SPCA attended the farm to determine the current conditions of the animals on the farm, but found no legal issues with the state of the animals.

Regulations under the National Farm Animal Care Council (NFACC) are undergoing a five-year review, added Moriarty, which are working to phase out aspects like gestation stalls or requiring them to be modified in the industry.

To continue the investigation, the BC SPCA need the videographer who captured the video to come forward, though they emphasize that they are not requesting a search for the individual.

“We've reached out and so, the ball is sort of in their court,” said Moriarty.

"Without that individual and that information we are unable to continue further investigation into that video."

On Apr. 28, a reported 200 “concerned citizens” attended the farm in an act of “civil disobedience” in response to the footage released by PETA, read a release from the ‘Meat the Victims’ group.

Of the 200 people, 50 were said to have trespassed into the farm. One demonstrator described the environment by saying, “The air was nauseating, the concrete slatted floors were cold & filthy, many of the pigs could barely fit into the crates – with their legs, tails, and noses hanging out, pushed against the metal bars.”

The other 15 attempting to enter the farm were not able to get inside, claiming that workers prevented their entry through violent means, stating that at least two activists were assaulted by farm workers and were punched, thrown against a wall and had their hair ripped out.

Meat the Victim protesters report that they negotiated for things like media to enter the farm, and for water for some of the animals, which were eventually met.

After the requests were met, the group of activists agreed to leave, they say, and were then informed that they were under arrest for trespassing and break and enter.

One person was arrested at the protest at around noon, RCMP confirmed, under charges of breaking and entering as well as mischief. Meat the Victim protesters identified the individual as the group’s spokesperson, Amy Soranno, a woman from Kelowna.

BC SPCA said that while they do engage in advocacy, and ensure proper animal treatment through their certification, they “wouldn't advocate for anything that would be breaking the law.”

NowMedia reached out to the Excelsior Hog Farm several times but they could not be reached for comment.

For more information on pig treatment or farm animal treatment through the NFACC or the SPCA certification of animal treatment, click these links.