Spain awaits verdict in Hermanos Carrasco pig farm abuse retrial
Eight years after a nationally televised investigation exposed conditions inside the Hermanos Carrasco pig farm, the retrial of its owners has concluded in Murcia, Spain.
Animal Equality is prosecuting the Carrasco brothers on 14 counts of animal abuse, seeking three years in prison and a nine-year ban on keeping animals.
A court-appointed expert report and Animal Equality’s own report both confirm that animal abuse occurred. The defense disputes this. The judge’s verdict is now expected.
How the Hermanos Carrasco pig farm case reached retrial
In February 2018, Animal Equality and Jordi Évole’s acclaimed Spanish investigative program Salvados released “Stranger Pigs,” an undercover exposé of the Hermanos Carrasco pig farm.
The episode reached millions of viewers across Spain and put the farm and its customer, El Pozo, one of the country’s largest meat companies, under national scrutiny.
Following the broadcast, Animal Equality filed a formal complaint against the farm.
In January 2024, the Carrasco brothers stood trial on 14 counts of animal abuse and were acquitted. Animal Equality appealed the decision.
The Provincial Court of Murcia overturned the acquittal and ordered a new trial, citing the original judge’s failure to consider expert testimony and key witness statements.
Awareness is just the beginning
Learning about what farmed animals face can change the way we see them. But change takes more than awareness—it takes people like you willing to keep showing up.
This September, for Farmed Animal Awareness Month, become a monthly donor with Animal Equality and turn your concern for farmed animals into action all year long.
What happened at the Hermanos Carrasco retrial
The retrial began on September 2, 2026, at a criminal court in Murcia, Spain. Over two sessions, the defendants, veterinarians, a government inspector, and a cameraman from Salvados all testified. The court also reviewed footage from the farm.
Javier Moreno, co-founder of Animal Equality, testified as a witness. He has previously spoken about what he witnessed inside the farm.
This farm has been one of the worst I have seen in my life. The meat industry treats animals as merchandise, and although this is one of the worst farms we have documented, we cannot forget that factory farming conditions are deplorable altogether. It is urgent that we question the entire factory farming system.” – Javier Moreno, co-founder of Animal Equality
Animal Equality remains committed to seeing those responsible held accountable and will continue to monitor the case.
Save Animals from Abuse
Pigs, cows, and other animals feel pain and deserve to be protected from abuse.
You can protect these intelligent animals by simply choosing plant‑based alternatives.