From Paddocks To Prisons Pigs In Australia

From Paddocks to Prisons is the first major report published by Voiceless, an Australian animal protection organisation. The report has been endorsed by leading animal protection groups: Animals Australia, Compassion in World Farming, Humane Society International, and World Society for Protection of Animals. The report is intended to encourage consumers to reject factory farmed pigmeat and politicians to introduce new laws to reduce the suffering of pigs.

Between 1970-71 and 2002-03 the number of Australian pig producers fell by an astounding 94% while production increased by 130% over the same period. Family farms are becoming obsolete, unable to compete with factory operations, leading to worsening conditions for pigs.

The animal protection movement is growing in Australia and around the world. Australian consumers are willing to pay more for humanely farmed animal products and retailers are willing to follow this trend.

Current legislation allows for institutionalized cruelty. Various details are presented summarizing the conditions of factory farms in Australia. Alternatives are recommended, including the use of family pen systems and open-ended hooped roof shelters to raise pigs that are calmer, less stressed, and healthier.