Why PETA Is Warning Pig Farmers to ‘Get Out’ While They Still Can

Published by PETA.

China has imposed new tariffs on U.S. pork imports, undermining a market that receives nearly 60 percent of American exports of pigs’ heads, feet, and other assorted body parts. That’s why PETA is placing billboards that show a pig’s face next to the words “Pig Farmers, Learn From Tobacco Farmers: Get Out Now! Vegan Is Happening.”

PHOTO: Angela Dougherty

The number of U.S. tobacco farmers dropped like a stone after the government stopped propping up the tobacco industry. And as the pork industry struggles, the vegan food market is booming, which is why PETA’s billboard calls on pig farmers to stop counting on diminishing pork futures, look ahead, and get out of a dying business.

Animal-based operations that recently went vegan include New York’s Elmhurst Dairy, which switched to producing nut-based beverages, and former pig farmer Bob Comis famously switched to all-plant farming for ethical reasons. Tyson has invested in Beyond Meat, Bareburger announced plans to open a vegan chain, and one in six universities offers an all-vegan dining station.

In today’s pork industry, mother pigs are squeezed into narrow metal stalls barely larger than their bodies and kept almost constantly pregnant or nursing. Pigs’ tails are chopped off, their teeth are cut with pliers, and males are castrated—all without any painkillers. At the slaughterhouse, they’re hung upside down and bled to death, often while still conscious.

Will you join us in taking a stand for these intelligent, social beings?

‘Vegan Is Happening’

Just like human animals, pigs are smart, playful, protective beings. They bond with one another and have been known to show empathy for other pigs. The nicest thing you can do for them and all animals is to pledge not to eat them—if these three former farmers can do it, so can you! And we’re here to make it even easier—click below to have a free vegan starter kit mailed directly to you:

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 Ingrid E. Newkirk

“Almost all of us grew up eating meat, wearing leather, and going to circuses and zoos. We never considered the impact of these actions on the animals involved. For whatever reason, you are now asking the question: Why should animals have rights?” READ MORE

— Ingrid E. Newkirk, PETA President and co-author of Animalkind

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Monkeys don’t belong in laboratory cages.

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Monkeys don’t belong in laboratory cages.

By submitting this form, you’re acknowledging that you have read and agree to our privacy policy and agree to receive e-mails from us.