Animals’ Angels visit the pig sale facility in Ballarat. There are approximately 50 pigs already here but more will arrive in time for the sale.
The facility is undercover but very cold, and, although having straw on the floor is not a legal requirement most pens holding smaller pigs have straw on the floor. It is a very welcome welfare measure as it provides a level of insulation from the cold concrete. The sows and boars are put in pens which have water but no straw flooring. Some may stay in these pens overnight. We did not see any unacceptable handling and the pigs were fit to load.
The ramps are old, and the sides are in need of solid sheeting to prevent the pigs from being reluctant to use the ramp. The operator informed us they use pig backing boards to help move the pigs, and to help with careful handling of the animals, we have requested the yard management use some spare rubber sheeting they have on hand to line the sides, which we trust will help the pigs feel comfortable using the ramps. The management have agreed.
