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The hidden truth behind pig farming and meat production | LSE Future Proof

Dr Steven McCulloch investigates the gap between public opinion, scientific evidence, veterinary policy, and the reality of intensive pig farming.
Dr Steven McCulloch investigates the gap between public opinion, scientific evidence, veterinary policy, and the reality of intensive pig farming.
Tuesday 9 June 2026 | 5 minutes 50 seconds
Watch on YouTubeDownload File | 70.39MB

Across the UK and beyond, public polling shows that people do not want breeding pigs confined in cages so small that they cannot turn around. Yet intensive pig farming systems remain widespread, and veterinary institutions continue to play a key role in shaping animal welfare policy and standards.

In this film, Dr Steven McCulloch investigates the gap between public opinion, scientific evidence, veterinary policy, and the reality of intensive pig farming. He discusses how veterinary institutions shape animal welfare standards and whose interests these systems ultimately serve.

Dr Steven McCulloch is a Research Fellow at the Jeremy Coller Centre for Animal Sentience and the Global School of Sustainability at LSE. He is also Chair of Pigs Protection.

Images and video sourced from We Animals.