Caged pigs ‘tormented’ on EU farms producing Parma and Bayonne ham

Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Sows across Europe are spending nearly half their adult lives tormented and frustrated in cages often lying in their own excrement, an investigation has found. The investigation by campaign group Compassion in World Farming found that sows on European farms - including those supplying ‘premium’ Parma and Bayonne hams - are subjected to “cruelty”. “People who pay a premium for products like Parma and Bayonne hams are likely to be shocked to discover that these ‘high-end’ products are from systems that keep animals in such cruel cages,” said Sarah Moyes, Compassion in World Farming’s Senior Campaigns Manager. open image in gallery “They are forced to live unimaginably miserable lives.” “Our investigation reveals that their farms are no better than standard farms – the animals still spend a significant part of their lives in cages.” She added: “They are forced to live unimaginably miserable lives.” The Independent has attempted to contact representatives of Parma and Bayonne ham.