Three of the UK’s largest supermarkets—Tesco, Asda, and Sainsbury’s—have suspended supplies from Somerby Top Farm in Lincolnshire following the release of covert footage exposing severe animal abuse. The videos, captured by the Animal Justice Project (AJP), appear to show workers at the farm kicking piglets and striking them with boards and paddles. Injured pigs with open wounds were also reportedly left in squalid conditions, confined to pens contaminated with faeces, and some were seen writhing in pain.
Horrific Conditions Captured on Video
The footage, filmed secretly between May 2024 and January 2025, depicts multiple instances of cruelty and neglect. According to AJP, the farm’s workers blatantly ignored welfare protocols, allowing obvious injuries and suffering to persist. In one incident, a pig bleeding from a ruptured hernia was allegedly left untreated during rushed inspections that lasted as little as 90 seconds for up to 1,000 pigs. The footage also showed botched attempts to euthanize lame piglets, leaving them in agony for over 30 seconds.
One particularly disturbing video revealed a piglet left in excruciating pain for 33 hours as other piglets began cannibalizing an open wound. “He had no escape from being eaten alive,” narrated the AJP in the film published on their website, alleging that workers ignored the pig’s constant squeals.
Supermarkets and Regulators React
Tesco, Asda, and Sainsbury’s immediately ceased sourcing pork from Somerby Top Farm upon learning of the abuse. The farm, which was purchased by Cranswick, the UK’s largest pork supplier, in late 2023, had been audited and certified under the Red Tractor assurance scheme as recently as October 2024.
Red Tractor, the organization behind the certification, described the footage as “deeply distressing” and promptly suspended the farm’s certification. They also referred the case to the government’s Animal and Plant Health Agency for further investigation. A representative from Red Tractor stated, “The farm will remain unassured if Red Tractor is not satisfied that our standards are met.” Additionally, Red Tractor criticized the delay in presenting the footage, suggesting AJP prioritized activism over animal welfare.
Cranswick’s Response and Steps Taken
In light of the revelations, Cranswick expressed horror at the violations occurring at the farm. “The health and welfare of our pigs is our highest priority,” the company said in a statement. Cranswick revealed that since similar footage of abuse surfaced from another farm in May 2024, it has implemented measures to improve animal welfare. These steps include installing CCTV cameras at all indoor pig farms, recruiting additional welfare officers, retraining all farm staff, and commissioning independent veterinarian-led reviews across all its facilities.
The company added that as soon as they were made aware of the recent footage from AJP, they launched an internal investigation. “The staff involved are no longer with the business,” Cranswick confirmed. Morrisons, another supermarket reportedly supplied by Somerby Top Farm, has yet to issue a response.
Advocating for Change
The disturbing footage has once again highlighted critical shortcomings in animal welfare enforcement on UK farms. Activists call for stricter regulations and more frequent inspections to prevent such abuses in the future. Customers are also being encouraged to be vigilant about where their food comes from and to consider supporting higher-welfare farming practices.
This case serves as a grim reminder of the importance of maintaining ethical standards in food production and ensuring transparency within the supply chain.
