How Wilbur’s rescue highlighted pigs’ plight

WESLEY Omar certainly achieved considerable publicity for rescuing a pig from a farm. Not only did his action secure the Mercury’s front page headline but was also given an inside double-page spread.

Although rescuing the pig, now named Wilbur, was described as a “criminal activity”, it not only ensured that Wilbur would now be able to live for his natural lifespan, but also shed some light on the plight of pigs.

Pigs are extremely intelligent and according to research are smarter than three-year-old children. They are also highly sensitive and are capable of complex emotions.

Philip Lymbery, CEO of Compassion in World Farming, described conditions in UK factory farms where most UK pigs are reared as “utter deprivation”. Piglets’ teeth are clipped to minimize damage when fighting to suckle and 81 per cent have their tails docked to avoid injuries from aggressive behaviour caused by boredom.

At three weeks old, piglets are removed from their mothers and transferred to fattening pens. Bred and fed for rapid growth, they are ready for slaughter from five months old. At the abattoir they are likely to be gassed in groups.

Wilbur is one lucky pig who can look forward to living for up to 15 years, unlike his litter-mates.

Elizabeth Allison, Aylestone