Only a few weeks ago Greenpeace had denounced a chilling reality inside the La Pellegrina pig farm, in the Mantua area, part of the Veronesi Group (which controls well-known brands such as AIA, Negroni and Wudy). The association had documented with photos and videos, abandoned piglet carcasses, injured sows, environments invaded by rats and various other horrors.
Following that complaint, the authorities took action: the Carabinieri of the Municipality and the NAS of Cremona inspected the structure and found serious violations regarding biosecurity and animal welfare. The Val Padana ATS ordered the seizure of all the animals present and a fine of 10 thousand euros was imposed on the legal representative of the agricultural company.
During the inspection, authorities found:
The Val Padana ATS has therefore suspended all internal movements, seizing every animal present on the farm. A very heavy decision, which reflects the gravity of the situation.
A breeding farm of horrors
The shocking images collected by anonymous sources — and then verified by Greenpeace — speak for themselves. Decaying piglet bodies, animals with deep and untreated wounds, sows with evident uterine prolapses left without assistance. Furthermore, a rat infestation spread even inside the cages, among aborted fetuses and sewage not disposed of correctly.
Hygienic and sanitary conditions that should not exist on any farm, let alone in one of the major suppliers of the Italian ham and cured meats supply chain. The matter therefore does not only concern animal welfare, but also calls into question consumer trust in supply chains that should guarantee quality and safety.
An important victory, but only a first step
“A first, important victory”: this is how Greenpeace defines it, which for years has been denouncing the reality of Italian intensive farming and calling for a radical reform of the system.
The seizure and the 10 thousand euro fine demonstrate that it is possible to intervene and that reports count. But the story also highlights a structural flaw: without widespread and transparent controls, these situations can go on for years amid general indifference.
According to Greenpeace, there is a solution and it comes from the bill “Beyond intensive farming”, which asks:
In a country that makes its PDO cured meats a global source of pride, it is legitimate to ask how it is possible that a central farm in the supply chain can find itself in these conditions without anyone noticing first. And above all: how can we ensure this doesn’t happen elsewhere?
