Original 'arcwork' for pampered pigs!

Pigs get home makeover for farm animal week

Artwork on pig housing at Dingley Dell farm in Suffolk © Freedom Food Photolibrary

29.07.11

Lucky pigs and piglets down at Dingley Dell farm in Suffolk are celebrating Freedom Food's farm animal week with the ultimate home makeover.

Leading artists, Mr Millerchip and Simon Wild, are going the whole hog by painting the pigs' arc-shaped houses with colourful and lively original designs, in what they believe is the first project of its kind.

But will the pigs appreciate the 'arcwork'?

Mark Hayward © Freedom Food Photolibrary

Mark Hayward, the forward-thinking RSPCA Freedom Food approved pig farmer who commissioned the work, said:

These must be the most hip and funky pig arcs in the world.

Pigs are incredibly clever animals and they can even outperform dogs in some intelligence tests.

And whilst having a designer home probably goes a bit above and beyond what they need, giving pigs a stimulating place to live is a key part of the RSPCA's welfare standards.

And even if the pigs don't appreciate it, it certainly livens up my day!

A unique and extraordinary commission for the artists

Picassos of the pig world, Simon Wild and Mr Millerchip, said:

"We specialise in unusual commissions, but this one takes a bit of beating."

More about farm animal week (25 - 31 July)

Freedom Food farm animal week 2011 © Freedom Food Photolibrary

Set up by our Freedom Food farm animal assurance and food labelling scheme, farm animal week aims to better educate people about the importance of good welfare for the many millions of farm animals reared for food.

Switch one for welfare

To help support the week, we're asking you to switch one item in your shopping basket for a higher welfare alternative.

Get involved in this year's farm animal week.