Thousands of people have signed a petition against a primary school project that involves pupils rearing pigs for eventual slaughter.

The project at Farsley Farfield Primary school in West Yorkshire was launched last year to help teach its pupils where their food comes from.

But a petition started by a former student says such a project could be "traumatising" for children, and was "unfair" for religious families that specifically do not eat pork.

It maintained that children would be taught that it was acceptable to "exploit and kill animals", and would be justified because "people enjoy eating their bodies".

More than 2,000 people have since signed the petition, which was launched in October.


Image: The pig project has sparked controversy

However, headteacher Peter Harris told Sky News that 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.

"The pigs will get a much longer life, in better conditions, than commercial pigs," he said.

"The children know that the pigs are not pets and they haven't got names."

Confirming the Gloucester Old Spot breeds would be sent for slaughter later in the summer, he added: "Decisions haven't yet been made about how the meat will be sold - but it won't be in school meals".

The school is also following specific instructions from Muslim families with children in attendance, with involvement ranging from "none at all to almost full engagement".

Some vegetarian staff are also taking part.

Image: The school says the pigs will have twice the lifespan of commercially-reared breeds

Food for Life, a programme encouraging positive food culture in schools, told Sky News it was "fully supportive" of the project, saying a "hands-on experience" of rearing the animals was "even more valuable".

The programme's head of policy, Rob Percival, said: "Most of us eat meat of animal products, and so it's entirely appropriate that children are taught how this meat is produced and what it takes to put it on our plates".

Mr Percival also highlighted how the project could help children get involved in a wider conversation about the effect "excessive meat consumption" has on climate change.

He said: "Schools have an important role to play to encouraging this shift, including by introducing more plant proteins onto their menu, and implementing meat-free days, while also ensuring that meat is higher welfare and more sustainable where possible."

Image: The pigs haven't been given names, reminding pupils that they aren't pets

In response to the petition, a current Farsley Farfield student, 11-year-old Charlotte Heapp, defended her school in a letter to the Yorkshire Evening Post, saying the project had taught her to "respect meat and animals".

"We know that not all animals are treated well but we all want this to change," she wrote.

"By taking in a couple of pigs to let them have a free, open life before they die, we are starting to make a difference."