Naturalist and TV presenter Chris Packham joined vegan activist Michelle Farnham inside a pig crate in London's Trafalgar Square on Wednesday, as she continues her three-week protest against factory farming. Farnham, 28, has been living in the confined 43-inch-tall farrowing crate since September 1 to raise awareness about the conditions mother pigs endure.
Packham, who visited Farnham on her ninth day in the crate, described the living conditions as "horrific." He noted that farrowing crates are not an isolated practice but are "routinely used" within the British pig industry. "This crate shows us what happens when animals are reduced to units of production, rather than recognised as individuals with needs of their own," Packham stated.
The activist's protest aims to pressure the government to commit to ending factory farming by 2040. Farnham, from Herefordshire, became involved with the campaign group Animal Rising after seeing footage of pigs kept in such conditions. The crate itself was sourced from a real factory farm and measures 83 inches long, 32 inches wide, and 43 inches tall. The three-week duration of the protest is significant, representing the shortest amount of time a mother pig is typically kept in a farrowing crate.
Farnham reported that the lack of freedom is the most challenging aspect of the protest, requiring her to ask for assistance with daily activities. "All freedom has been completely stripped away from me. It made me have sympathy for the pigs even more," she said, contrasting her situation with the constant confinement of the animals. Volunteers provide 24-hour support, ensuring Farnham has food, water, and medical checks, a level of care not afforded to the pigs.
A tent provides privacy for Farnham when she needs to sleep or use the bathroom, though she expressed feeling constantly observed. Brushing her teeth and washing her hair are among the most uncomfortable public activities. She can request quiet time by using headphones, and volunteers manage public interaction.
Rose Patterson, director of Animal Rising, described the protest concept as "genius" and praised Farnham's suitability as a spokesperson due to her understanding of farm conditions. The group has encountered minimal issues with authorities, with most passersby showing support or curiosity upon learning the purpose of the demonstration. Farnham noted that initial reactions often turn to horror when people realize the conditions depicted are prevalent in the UK. The protest has garnered over 17,000 signatures for a petition related to pig welfare.
Packham emphasized that factory farming's issues extend beyond crates, impacting land, climate, and wildlife. "We've built a system that confines huge numbers of sentient animals in intensive conditions, while placing enormous pressures on our land, climate and wildlife," he stated. He called for an honest assessment of the "true cost of farming in this way" and urged a move towards a more sustainable future, away from "animal factories" that inflict suffering and environmental damage.