Pig farmers warned over surge in activist incursions

Pig producers across the UK are being urged to remain vigilant after animal rights groups launched a major campaign to disrupt permitted pig farming operations through covert investigations, media pressure, and private prosecutions.

Documents leaked to Farmers Weekly reveal that Animal Rising is undertaking what it claims is “the world’s largest investigation into factory farms”.

More than 60 pig farms have already been targeted, with the group aiming to investigate more than 80% of the UK’s 234 pig units it labels as “intensive” by the end of 2025.

See also: Stronger signage can thwart activist incursions, says Aims

Animal Rising’s 12-month strategy includes filing legal actions from late 2025 under alleged breaches of the Animal Welfare Act, with the aim of shutting down farms.

It also plans to launch an open-source investigation map in April 2026.

Alongside this, the group is touting two TV documentaries – one for terrestrial broadcasters such as the BBC or Channel 4, and another targeting global streaming platforms such as Netflix or Amazon Prime.

The campaign is being co-ordinated with the Coalition Against Factory Farming and supported by legal teams specialising in animal protection law.

A separate arm of the campaign, due to begin in January 2026, will challenge the use of carbon dioxide in pig slaughter.

‘Serious, co-ordinated’ threat – NPA

Animal Rising is collaborating with international groups to question the legality of the method through the courts.

The National Pig Association (NPA) described the threat as “serious and highly co-ordinated”.

It warns that activists are using high-spec covert recording equipment and may even attempt to gain access to farms by posing as employees.

“This is a well-funded, professional campaign,” said NPA chief executive Lizzie Wilson.

“We’ve had reports of individuals with £5,000-plus camera kits entering sites, planting covert 5G devices, and returning to retrieve them. They are clearly building a legal and media case.”

She added: “Whatever their claims, this campaign is not about improving animal welfare.

Their ultimate aim is to bring an end to all livestock farming – and they’re clearly prepared to go to extreme lengths to push that agenda.”

One pig producer based in Lincolnshire said: “It’s very worrying and scary. Having gone through this ourselves, nothing prepares you for the impact.

“I think it’s incredibly hard for pig farming businesses to find staff, but now we’re having to double, even treble check applicants. I’m sure this is how these groups are getting their footage.

“Everyone must ensure that they follow all the Red Tractor guidelines and rules to the letter – which 99.9% of us do – and make sure that staff are constantly reminded to be vigilant and do their jobs correctly.”

Animal Rising’s aims

Animal Rising spokesman Rose Patterson told Farmers Weekly the campaign is focused on “stopping the spread of factory farming across the UK, not individual farmers”.

“We’re against industrial factory farming and low-welfare imports, both of which undermine British farmers,” she said.

“We are working towards a sustainable, plant-based food system. This transition must be farmer-led and properly supported.”