Wiltshire Pig Farmer Fined £5,200 Following Animal Welfare Investigation

A Wiltshire pig farmer has received animal penalty notices totalling £5,200 following an investigation into animal welfare concerns by Wiltshire Council.

The council's Animal Health and Welfare Team launched an investigation after officers visited the farm in July 2026 and discovered a severely lame boar.

Officers established that the farmer had administered antibiotic and anti-inflammatory treatments to the animal between 6 and 12 June 2026. However, when the boar failed to improve, no further veterinary advice was sought.

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

During the same inspection, officers also identified two pens containing sows that had not been provided with suitable enrichment materials, including straw, hay, wood, paper or cardboard.

These materials are required under the Code of Practice for the Welfare of Pigs and allow the animals to 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 develop harmful behaviours that may affect their welfare.

Wiltshire Council said the farmer had previously received advice about providing appropriate enrichment materials for pigs.

The farmer cooperated fully with the investigation and has since paid the penalties, which totalled £5,200.

Under the Animal Penalty Notices (APNs) system, penalties are reduced by 50 per cent if paid within 14 days. The notices do not constitute criminal convictions, meaning those receiving them cannot be publicly identified.

Councillor Ian Thorn, Leader of Wiltshire Council, said farmers have a legal responsibility to meet the welfare needs of their animals and seek appropriate veterinary advice when livestock become unwell or injured.

He also highlighted the importance of providing pigs with suitable enrichment materials to allow them to express natural behaviours and maintain good welfare.

Cllr Thorn said Animal Penalty Notices offer a proportionate way for the council to address welfare breaches and secure improvements without the need for court proceedings.

He added that the council would continue to support livestock keepers through advice and guidance but would take enforcement action where necessary to protect animal welfare.

Animal Penalty Notices provide an alternative to prosecution in appropriate cases, allowing regulators to address certain animal health and welfare offences while encouraging improvements in animal care standards.

Anyone concerned about the health or 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.