The company at the centre of a scandal over animal welfare abuses at two Norfolk farms has issued a statement claiming it is carrying out an investigation into malpractice. The announcement comes following the release of undercover footage showing workers abusing pigs.

The East Anglian Pig Company said it has suspended five workers after footage taken on two of its farms was leaked to newspapers showing behaviour described as “disgusting” by RSPCA officers.  

Animal Equality, an animal rights group, filmed undercover at the two farms, one of which was accredited by the RSPCA’s Freedom Foods welfare scheme until the footage emerged last week, in December 2011.

In its statement, the East Anglian Pig Company said it would pursue disciplinary action against the workers implicated in abuses and mistreatment. The RSPCA said officers had also visited both farms and one of the farms, Little Thorns weaner unit, has been suspended from its assurance scheme.

This is the second such embarrassment for the RSPCA, following the release of footage by Animal Equality in February showing abuse of animals at another pig farm in East Anglia, which was also Freedom Foods accredited.

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