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Two farm workers have pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal while employed at Fir Tree Farm in Lincolnshire.
Artis Grogprkevs and Troy Wagstaff attended Grimsby Magistrates’ Court yesterday, where Wagstaff also pleaded not guilty to a second charge of causing unnecessary cruelty. The charge relates to footage allegedly showing him spraying paint up a pig’s nose.
A third man who was also charged – Gavin Hardy – did not show.
Attacks
The men were filmed attacking the pigs between April 2 and April 27, 2018, by international animal protection agency Animal Equality.
Footage shows workers apparently swearing at animals, as well as slamming gates on them, and jabbing them repeatedly with pitchforks – as they can be heard squealing.
GRAPHIC: Animal Equality’s disturbing footage
‘Disgusting attacks’
“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,” Dr. Toni Shephard, Animal Equality‘s UK Director, told Plant Based News.
“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.
