November 23, 2018 1.44 pm This story is over 64 months old

Pig farm workers plead guilty to animal cruelty

Beaten for bacon

Two men have pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to pigs at a Lincolnshire farm.

Artis Grogprkevs, 31, of Fir Tree Farm, Goxhill and Troy Wagstaff, 30, of Chantry Lane, Grimsby both pleaded guilty at Grimsby Magistrates Court.

A third man Gavin Hardy, 39, of Greengate Lane, South Killingholme failed to appear at the court hearing today.

Earlier this year, Animal Equality campaigners released shocking undercover footage of the pigs being beaten and squealing in pain.

A charity uncovered the abuse. Photo: Animal Equality

Wagstaff pleaded not guilty to a second charge, where he has been accused of spraying paint up a pig’s nose.

The trio were charged with causing unnecessary suffering to pigs by inflicting blunt force trauma, physical violence and using a pitchfork inappropriately.

Pigs at the farm have been left with large scars. Photo: Animal Equality

Animal Equality’s director, Dr Toni Shepard, said: “We are pleased that these two pig farm workers have been convicted for their disgusting attacks on the vulnerable animals in their care revealed by our investigation.

“We thank the RSPCA for prosecuting this case so swiftly. We expect these men to face the fullest force of the law for these extreme acts of cruelty.”

The case has been adjourned until December 20, when the men will be sentenced.