Hull-based meat processing giant Cranswick plc said it will invest £40 million over the next three years to help “raise animal welfare standards” across the business’s pig farming operations.
“Following the completion of an independent, veterinarian-led review of Cranswick’s pig farming operations, the Board of Cranswick plc has committed to a new, six-point plan to raise animal welfare standards across the business’s pig farming operations,” said the firm.
“In response to the film footage highlighting unacceptable practices at North Moor Farm, the Board commissioned Dr Andy Butterworth, an independent vet with three decades of experience, to conduct a review and assess compliance with legal, industry and retailer animal welfare standards, while also identifying areas for improvement, with a particular focus on the working culture across Cranswick farms.
“The review, which involved unannounced visits to twenty separate pig farms during June, July and August 2025, found that the Cranswick farms visited were compliant with legislation and animal welfare standards, and found no evidence of poor handling and treatment of pigs on farm.
“It concluded that the actions seen in the investigative films were not representative of Cranswick’s normal standards and practices.
“Nonetheless, the review set out a range of recommendations for raising standards within Cranswick and across the wider industry …
“The recommendations include the standardisation of farming practices and procedures across all Cranswick pig farms, increased use of surveillance systems to ensure good practice for pig welfare on farms, improvements in the culture and working practices on farms, increased focus on animal health and welfare outcomes and collaboration with the industry, Red Tractor and Cranswick customers to develop improved welfare standards for pigs.
“In response to the report, the Board of Cranswick have accepted in full the findings and committed to a new six-point plan to raise animal welfare standards across all Cranswick-run pig farms.”