Pigs were legally spared from slaughter proposed to 'curb the spread of African swine fever in the area.'
Image from Annamaria Testa
In Defense of Animals celebrates the decision of a Roman court to
spare over 100 healthy, rescued pigs and urban boars at Sfattoria
degli Ultimi, an Italian animal sanctuary. The victory follows a
ruling by the regional court, TAR Lazio, after local health
officials proposed slaughtering them to stop the spread of African
swine fever in the region.
On October 10, the court accepted the appeal of not only over 16,000
In Defense of Animals supporters, but animal allies worldwide,
deeming the proposed slaughter illegitimate. Thankfully, the pleas
for justice were heard and over 100 sentient, intelligent animals
will be able to live the enriching, natural lives they deserve with
the caretakers who have provided them with a safe and peaceful
haven.
In early August, local health officials with ASL Roma 1 ordered the
slaughter of the porcine residents at Sfattoria degli Ultimi to curb
the spread of African swine fever in the area, despite the fact that
all the animals are registered with the proper health authorities
and easily identifiable with microchips that prove they will never
be forced into the food production system. This legally spared them
from the slaughter proposed by health officials. Italian news
sources reported that TAR Lazio acknowledged local health officials
with ASL Roma 1 should have recognized the inherent exemption from
the deadly disease control measures as Sfattoria degli Ultimi is a
"shelter for animals in difficulty," not a factory farm, and should
have considered the "high cultural or educational value pursuant to
article 13 of the EU delegated regulation 2020/687."
The ruling is a resounding triumph and a testament to the compassion
and kindness that all animals inherently deserve. The caretakers and
guardians of the animals at Sfattoria degli Ultimi are rejoicing,
knowing that their compassion and tireless, selfless care has saved
the lives of so many beloved animals who will never know cruelty
again.
The sanctuary’s facilities are in compliance with biosecurity rules
to prevent the spread of disease and the shelter’s residents are
kept in fenced areas to avoid transmittable contagion. Sfattoria
degli Ultimi is located in the Roman countryside and provides
residents with over three miles of gardens and two large stables
where they will now be able to enjoy long, healthy lives.
The pigs and boar at Sfattoria degli Ultimi live in this wonderful
sanctuary after finding refuge from mistreatment and hardship in
Rome. You can directly make a difference in the lives of other pigs,
just like those who live at Sfattoria degli Ultimi, by choosing to
leave animals off your plate.