German pig farmer jailed for animal suffering

A 56-year-old pig farmer from Merklingen, Germany, which is located in the state of Baden-Württemberg, was sentenced to 15 years in prison on Friday, March 3. This is due to animal welfare violations.

Hundreds of severely neglected (and sometimes even dead) pigs were found on the pig farm. The case came to light in 2016 when various animal activists at the company had filmed the abuses.

Known
The pig farmer in question had a business with 1.600 fattening pigs and has confessed to all allegations. On that basis, the judge announced a 3-year prison sentence. In addition, he received a lifelong ban on keeping animals.

Wouter Job

Wouter Baan is editor-in-chief of Boerenbusiness. He also focuses on dairy, pig and meat markets. He also follows (business) developments within agribusiness and interviews CEOs and policymakers.

w.baan@boerenbusiness. Nl

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