Farsley Farfield Primary’s plan to slaughter pigs divides opinion

1
1302
farsley farfield primary school
Farsley Farfield.

Farsley Farfield Primary School’s plans to send a group of Gloucester Old Spot pigs reared by its pupils to slaughter has divided opinion.

Head teacher Peter Harris said the idea was to teach children about the food chain and animal welfare.

But an online petition against the slaughter has gained more than 2,600 signatures – and this week has led to press coverage in many national newspapers and has sparked debates on national TV.

Writing on the school’s website, Mr Harris said:

“I think that we are raising awareness of the meat industry, and some of the issues around animal welfare and sustainability. I don’t agree that this project has anything to do with greed.

“The pigs will live twice as long as commercial pigs and appear to be enjoying their outdoor life with plenty of opportunity to root around.

“Their welfare standards are much higher than most pigs. I don’t think that we are desensitizing the children: I suggest that our children will be more knowledgeable and sensitive to animal welfare than most of their peers.”

One critic branded the move “propaganda” for the meat-eating community “who want their children to be brainwashed into thinking it’s OK to kill animals for food”, another said it was potentially traumatising.

Mr Harris said he had received “overwhelming support” for the project, and that he believed none of the signatures on the petition were from people inside his school community. He added:

“There are educational boards in production that explain that these pigs are better treated than the vast majority of pigs. These boards also encourage people to greatly reduce their meat intake.

“We are getting criticised some vegetarians/vegans and, at the same time, by some meat eaters who think that the project is a veggie-conspiracy. I hope that our children have an educated view and make informed, balanced decisions when they are adults.”

A petition calling for the pigs to be spared slaughter has gained more than 2,200 signatures. It was created by a former pupil, identified as Ix Willow.

The petition states:

“Schools have a duty of care to support children, teach them fair values and to provide a safe and happy environment for them. By teaching children that it is okay to exploit and kill animals they are in breach of this, and this could also be traumatising for children getting to know the animals and then knowing they are going to die.”

Some parents have welcomed the move. Posting on the school’s website, one parent said:

“Such a great value add to the school farm. A great way to extend children’s learning and understanding of the food chain, animal welfare and how pigs live that goes beyond the classroom.”

Another added:

“Despite some individuals’ views on social media I think having the pigs on the farm is a brilliant idea. All of my children have been brought up knowing where our food comes from and it does not stop them eating any of it.

“Setting aside this it is also a chance for children from all walks of life to see and or be close to a farm animal which they may not get the chance to ever see other than on TV etc. Fantastic and I hope this keeps going for many years and the future generation.”

Farsley Farfield was named healthy school of the year in 2017 by the Times Literary Supplement.

____________

While you’re here…

Producing your daily dose of West Leeds Dispatch comes at a cost!

There’s the hosting of the website you’re reading now, running our popular e-mail newsletter, membership of independent press regulator Impress, attending summer events, paying for equipment etc etc.

We need at least £200 a month just to break even – that’s money currently coming out of the pockets of dedicated volunteers who are passionate about what’s happening in our communities, connecting you with local groups and organisations as well as holding decision-makers to account and championing local issues.

And all that’s BEFORE we even think about paying something for people’s time – for instance, our editor puts in more than 24 hours a week in his ‘spare’ time to ensure The Dispatch publishes daily.

To put it bluntly, after nearly four years of daily publishing, we are not sustainable!

And we need YOUR help to continue …

For the cost of less than a couple of cups of coffee you can help support local community news and continue to give our communities a voice by taking out a subscription for just £4 per month (that’s just a pound a week).

As a thanks you’ll get your name on a roll of honour on our website. More importantly you will be enabling us to keep bringing you the news that matters about your neighbourhood.

Achieving a bedrock of supporters will give us a firm financial footing and help us plan for the future.

Supporting us couldn’t be easier…

Just follow this link.

or set up a standing order with your bank:

Contact us on Paywestleedsdispatch@gmail.com if you’d like to do this.

Over to you …



1 COMMENT

  1. Can anyone up there pass my email onto Ix Willow?
    We have just gone through this process down here at Priestlands school, and the we are now in a consultation stage.
    I may be able to help Willow and the pigs. Maybe some extra help from higher profile vegans such as Earthling Ed, perhaps it’s time we went up against Peirs again!

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.