A butcher has cut ties with a ‘despicable’ local pig farmer following his conviction.
Roger Keen Farms Limited was fined £25,000 after director Roger Keen pleaded guilty to numerous offences relating to the poor care of his pigs.
On Tuesday, Bristol Crown Court heard that many of Mr Keen’s pigs on Sandridge Farm has to be put to sleep due to concerning health issues that were not treated.
Now butcher Stephen Cook, director of Walter Rose & Son in Devizes, has cut ties with the farm following press coverage of the cruel farming practices.
In a statement, he said: “It is with regret, that in light of the recent news concerning Sandridge Farm, and the ill treatment of their pigs, we have made the decision to sever all relations with the company.
“Walter Rose & Son has, for the 47 years that I have owned the business prioritised animal welfare, and will not tolerate such inhuman and despicable acts of cruelty against the livestock that we use.
“We only learned of this from the press a couple of days ago and have acted immediately. We will make a further announcement when an alternative source of bacon is determined.
“Please accept my sincere apologies for any stress or worry that this news may have caused you. We will always stick to the values and principles we believe in and never compromise on this.”
In response to Mr Cook’s words on Facebook, his customers praised his decision.
One said: “This is another reason you guys are the best butchers.”
Another added: “The absolute right decision and great to act so swiftly without compromise.”
One penned: “Thank you for standing up for animal welfare. I don’t want to buy any meat that’s come from a mis-treated animal – one of the reasons to go to a reputable butcher is to ensure that.”
