Farm Worker Receives Suspended Sentence for Animal Cruelty

A farm worker caught on undercover camera footage repeatedly kicking pigs and hitting them with a pitchfork has been spared an immediate jail sentence after admitting eight animal cruelty offenses. Steven Woolger, 48, received a 17-week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, at Great Yarmouth Magistrates Court.

Animal rights activists from Animal Justice Project placed hidden cameras at the boar stud farm in Burgh Castle, Norfolk, where Woolger worked. The 781 hours of secret filming between May and September 2024 captured clips of him mistreating the animals. The footage was handed over to Norfolk Trading Standards, which brought the prosecution.

Lizzie Baker, prosecuting, stated that Woolger caused unnecessary suffering to pigs by kicking them and hitting them with a pitchfork and a plastic pipe on multiple occasions. She added that Woolger, who had no previous convictions, "should have known that a pitchfork was not an appropriate implement."

Debbe Reynolds, defending, explained that Woolger had been employed by the company since 2013 with an impeccable record. However, she noted that his wife had suffered a heart attack after their child was born prematurely in April 2024. At the time of the offenses, Woolger's mental health was severely impacted by stress, leading to PTSD. He returned to work as the sole breadwinner, feeling "fraught, exhausted and under pressure."

Reynolds stated that working practices on the farm were not ideal, and Woolger had raised concerns about a lack of equipment and malfunctioning gates but received no support. Woolger admitted he had done wrong and was full of remorse, stating he was disgusted by his behavior.

Woolger pleaded guilty to four offenses of causing unnecessary suffering to pigs and four charges of failing to ensure their welfare needs. He lost his job after the offenses were revealed and is currently living on benefits while seeking employment.

District Judge Matthew Bone acknowledged the deliberate and repeated nature of the acts over an extended period, emphasizing Woolger's position of responsibility and breach of duty to provide care. However, the judge took into account Woolger's personal circumstances, including evidence of PTSD, stress, and anxiety, as well as his early guilty plea and lack of previous convictions. The judge also noted Woolger's family responsibilities, willingness to engage with services, and realistic prospect of rehabilitation.

District Judge Bone disqualified Woolger from working with or having any involvement in farm animals for ten years and ordered him to pay £1,500 in prosecution costs and a £154 surcharge.

Ayrton Cooper, campaigns director for Animal Justice Project, called the prosecution a "significant moment for animal protection and accountability within British farming," adding that the result sends a clear message that "no farm, company or individual is beyond scrutiny, and that cruelty behind closed doors can carry serious consequences."