Pigs confined, mutilated, abandoned: Inside Argentina factory farms
Animal Equality returned to Argentina to investigate two pig farms in Buenos Aires.
Inside, workers use invasive procedures to impregnate female pigs. Their entire pregnancy will be spent inside a cage so narrow that they cannot even turn around.
One of the few times they will be allowed to walk is to a separate cage for giving birth and nursing. Here, they will be in close reach of their babies, but restricted by the metal bars.
At only a few days old, the newly-born piglets undergo painful procedures, such as teeth clipping, tail docking, and castration. They are not given anesthesia or relief from the pain.
Veterinary care was not provided on the farms, despite the presence of pigs with fly-infested wounds. Those who died from their injuries were discovered decomposing inside cages alongside living animals.
This suffering is unacceptable, which is why Animal Equality filed a formal complaint with Argentine authorities. We urge local enforcement to investigate for violations of animal welfare regulations.
➡ Watch the full investigation here: https://animalequality.org/news/2026/01/27/investigation-uncovers-mutilated-piglets-mass-grave/.
If you oppose animal cruelty, take a stand at meal time by replacing meat with delicious, animal-friendly plant proteins.
➡ Download the Love Veg cookbook and explore a growing library of plant-based recipes: https://ae.onl/loveveg-organicvimeo.
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Transcript (English — en)
Castration. Tail and teeth cutting.
All were performed without anesthesia,
while the animals screamed in pain.
Extreme confinement.
Mother pigs spend almost their
entire lives unable to turn around.
Animals without
veterinary care.
No relief, no escape.
In Argentina,
more than 8 million pigs are
raised and slaughtered each year,
and industrial farming is continuing to expand.
Despite its size, almost no one sees
how these animals actually live.
Animal Equality investigated
two pig farms in Argentina's
Buenos Aires province.
At both facilities, we documented routine cruelty
that most people never see.
Piglets are put through painful mutilations.
Their bodies curl in pain
as they struggle to be free.
But they can't.
The handling is violent and fast.
Each procedure
leaves an open wound,
one that keeps hurting for days.
Many are left trembling after the cuts,
too weak to stand.
Other piglets stop nursing
because the pain is too much.
These mutilations increase
the risk of infection, inflammation,
fever and premature deaths.
Mother pigs also suffer.
They are confined in gestation
and farrowing crates.
Metal crates so narrow
they can't even turn around.
These crates are used for weeks or even months
during every reproductive cycle.
In the birthing area, we documented mother pigs
and piglets forced to lie on hard surfaces
with flies crawling over their open wounds.
Every one of these piglets
was conceived through artificial insemination.
Nothing in industrial farming is natural.
Industrial farming leads to overcrowding
and frequent aggression among animals.
Some injure themselves by biting the bars
or smashing their heads against them.
Desperate signs of extreme stress.
This all happens beyond our reach.
We also documented deceased animals
being handled with a lack of care.
These practices are common
in Argentina's meat industry.
We demand an end to mutilations
and a ban on the use of crates.
Join us by taking action for animals today.
Help animals by choosing plant-based alternatives.
Discover compassionate options at Love Veg.