Thousands of Dead Pigs Found on Ontario Farms

by Sherry Morse

After finding piles of dead pigs stacked behind barns and more than 1000 piglets decomposing in the manure tanks of five farms in southwestern Ontario, officials have charged seven men with seventy-seven charges of animal cruelty.

The Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) said that it found the pigs at facilities owned by Wood Lynn Farms Limited following an investigation that began at April at a farm in Elgin County.

The condition of the pigs at that farm led the SPCA to expand its investigation to other locations owned by Wood Lynn Farms. Ontario Pork, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food and a large animal veterinarian aided in the investigation.

Those charged with causing unnecessary pain to animals, causing unnecessary suffering, willful neglect and abandoning an animal in distress include Jim Long, president of the company and son of Wood Lynn Farms Ltd. founder Gerry Long.

Brian Pemberton, a spokesman for the Ontario SPCA said, "(Our) inspectors deal with pretty horrific cases all the time, but the sheer scale of this is extremely harrowing."

Mr. Pemberton said that the condition of the dead pigs, which were found in varying stages of decomposition, made it impossible to tell how many animals were involved.

There was also evidence of extensive cannibalization of the corpses and many of the corpses had been eaten by rodents, he said.

Investigators found that pigs at all of the farms were without adequate food, water or bedding. Sows were not separated before farrowing, resulting in their piglets being trampled or eaten by other pigs.

Investigators also witnessed one employee attempting to kill a pig by beating it with a metal pipe. Many of the pigs who were still living at the farms were in such poor health they had to be euthanized. The remaining pigs were sold and sent to slaughter.

Wood Lynn Farms Ltd. declared bankruptcy recently, but SPCA officials said it was unclear how long the farm facilities have been in a state of decline.

Pemberton said, "Our view is financial difficulties don’t excuse this kind of treatment of animals."

© 2003 Animal News Center, Inc.