Pig Farmer Receives £5,200 in Penalties Following Welfare Investigation

A Wiltshire pig farmer has been issued with animal penalty notices (APNs) totalling £5,200 following an investigation by Wiltshire Council's Animal Health and Welfare Team.

Animal Health Officers visited the farm in July 2026 and found a severely lame boar. Their investigation established that the farmer had administered antibiotic and anti-inflammatory treatments between 6 and 12 June 2026, but no further veterinary advice was sought when the animal failed to improve.

Following an assessment by the farmer's veterinary surgeon, the boar was subsequently euthanised on welfare grounds.

During the same inspection, officers also identified two pens housing sows that had not been provided with suitable materials, such as straw, hay, wood, paper or cardboard, as required under the Code of Practice for the Welfare of Pigs. These materials help pigs carry out natural behaviours such as rooting, exploring and foraging.

Pigs are naturally inquisitive animals and spend much of their time investigating their surroundings. Without suitable materials to occupy them, they can become stressed and may develop harmful behaviours that can affect their welfare.

The farmer had previously received advice from Wiltshire Council regarding the provision of suitable enrichment materials for pigs.

The farmer fully cooperated with the investigation and has since paid the penalties. Under the animal penalty notices regime, penalties are reduced by 50% if paid within 14 days. As APNs do not constitute criminal convictions, those receiving them cannot be publicly identified.

Councillor Ian Thorn, Leader of Wiltshire Council, said: "Farmers have a legal responsibility to ensure the welfare needs of their animals are met and that appropriate veterinary advice is sought when animals are unwell or injured.

"The provision of suitable enrichment materials is a basic welfare requirement for pigs and plays an important role in allowing them to express natural behaviours and maintain good welfare.

"Animal penalty notices provide a proportionate enforcement option, helping us address welfare breaches and secure compliance without the need for court proceedings. While we will continue to support livestock keepers through advice and guidance, we will take enforcement action where necessary to protect animal welfare."

Animal Penalty Notices provide an alternative to prosecution in appropriate cases, enabling regulators to deal with certain animal health and welfare offences quickly and proportionately while encouraging improvements in compliance and animal care standards.

Anyone with concerns about the health and welfare of livestock can contact Wiltshire Council's Animal Health team on 0300 456 0100. Further information and advice for farmers and livestock keepers is available at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/trading-standards-farming-advice-support.