Cranswick suspends operations at Northmoor Farm

UK – Cranswick plc has halted operations at Northmoor Farm following the release of undercover video footage reportedly showing unlawful animal handling practices.

The footage, made public by the campaign group Animal Justice Project, appears to capture workers at the facility engaging in what is described as “piglet thumping,” a prohibited method of euthanising young pigs.

According to the organisation, the material was recorded over several weeks in 2024 by an undercover investigator who gained access to the premises operated by Elsham Linc Ltd, a pig farming company owned by Cranswick.

The footage allegedly documents a series of disturbing practices, including failed euthanasia attempts, apparent animal neglect, and unsanitary conditions inside the farm buildings.

Cranswick is a major pork supplier for UK supermarkets, including Tesco, Morrisons, and Sainsbury’s, all of which have since suspended sourcing from the farm in question.

Animal Justice Project claimed that the supermarkets took this step after reviewing the footage, which they said showed clear breaches of animal welfare laws.

Barrister Ayesha Smart submitted a formal complaint to Trading Standards, citing violations of the Welfare of Animals at the Time of Killing (England) Regulations 2015 and relevant consumer protection rules.

Smart criticised the continued use of blunt force trauma to kill piglets, stating it is both prohibited and inhumane, and that its apparent routine use constitutes a legal and ethical failure.

The video also prompted a response from Dr Alick Simmons, former deputy chief veterinary officer for the UK government, who said the content reflected a lack of proper oversight and training within the facility.

Dr Simmons added that humane alternatives are readily available, and described the recorded acts as causing unnecessary suffering incompatible with responsible farming.

Industry reaction

Lizzie Wilson, CEO of the National Pig Association, said the footage depicted practices that contradict the standards expected across the supply chain and confirmed that those involved had been suspended.

In response, Cranswick said the employees shown in the video had been removed from duty and that the company had immediately stopped pig supply from Northmoor Farm while investigations are ongoing.

A spokesperson for Cranswick added that animal welfare remains a top concern for the company and that it is conducting a full review of what went wrong at the site.

Sainsbury’s, which recently signed a 10-year deal with Cranswick to supply a range of pork products, stated it had suspended all supply from the farm amid ongoing discussions with the producer.

No timeline has been provided for when operations at Northmoor Farm might resume, as the investigations by multiple parties continue.

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