RSPCA inspects Norfolk 'pig abuse' farms after filming

Animal Equality claims some pigs were kicked in the undercover footage

The RSPCA is inspecting two Norfolk farms where it is alleged pigs were mistreated, to ensure animal welfare standards are being maintained.

The farms belong to the East Anglian Pig (EAP) Company which suspended five employees after an internal inquiry.

The Animal Equality group released a film showing pigs being mistreated at Little Thorns farm near Swaffham.

The East Anglian Pig Company said it "totally condemns and does not tolerate animal mistreatment or malpractice".

A spokesman said: "We have carried out a full internal investigation following the release of historical edited film footage taken in December 2011.

"This has resulted in five employees being immediately suspended and subjected to disciplinary action.

"The RSPCA has confirmed that there are no grounds for prosecution."

Little Thorns farm was immediately suspended from an RSPCA scheme called Freedom Food. The second farm has not been named.

An RSPCA farm welfare inspector has returned to the two farms to check pig handling, medical treatment and casualty slaughter practices.

The organisation said it would not comment any further because an investigation was under way involving its own experts, Freedom Food, a specialist pig vet and an animal welfare scientist.