Pig Abuse Lawsuit Should Spark Change in Minnesota
Published by The Minnesota Reformer
Wally faced a frightening future as he sped down the highway on a transport truck. A piglet born into the meat industry, Wally would likely spend his short life trapped inside a factory farm.
But a moment of courage and good fortune changed Wally’s life forever. While barreling down I-90, Wally forced open a gate at the back of the truck and leapt to freedom, skidding down the highway. A witness called 911, and animal control officers came to the scene.
Ultimately, SoulSpace Farm Sanctuary in New Richmond, Wisc., offered to give Wally a home. Today, Wally is one of the most popular residents at the sanctuary. He loves people, responds to his name, and gobbles up apples with great gusto.
Wally’s opportunity to live out his life peacefully is a rarity in our state. Minnesota is the second largest hog-producing state in the nation, with a population of roughly 8.6 million hogs in 2022, most of whom go to slaughter at six months old. About 99% of animals used for food spend their lives indoors, cramped in filthy conditions, without access to grass or sunlight.
Recently, an undercover investigation in southeast Minnesota revealed even more horrific abuses, sparking national outrage. Until August of 2023, the case was under seal as the Department of Justice reviewed the allegations.
