Artis Grogprkevs, a former employee of Fir Tree Farm, Goxhill, pictured leaving Grimsby Magistrates Court after admitting animal cruelty

Two men admitted abusing pigs after a group of activists filmed them attacking the animals using hidden cameras at a farm.

Troy Wagstaff, 30, and Artis Grogprkevs, 31, both pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to protected animals at Fir Tree Farm in Goxhill.

Wagstaff and Grogprkevs admitted the charges at Grimsby Magistrates Court after the case was brought by the RSPCA following an undercover investigation by animal rights group Animal Equality.

The group placed hidden cameras inside the farm and uncovered horrific footage of abuse - which shows a pig being kicked and prodded with pitchforks as it squeals it pain.

Grogprkevs, of East Marsh Road, Goxhill, admitted abusing the pigs between April 10 and April 27 by causing unnecessary suffering through the infliction of blunt force trauma, physical violence and the inappropriate use of a pitchfork, when knowing that the act was likely to have this effect.

Wagstaff, of Chantry Lane, Grimsby, pleaded guilty to abusing the animals between April 2 and April 27 by causing unnecessary suffering through the infliction of blunt force trauma and physical violence.

He denied a second charge of abusing the animals by spraying paint up its nose.

Gavin Hardy, 39, of Greengate Lane, South Killingholme, was also due to appear in court charged with causing unnecessary suffering to animals at the farm, but did not attend.

The case was adjourned at the request of the prosecution.

Troy Wagstaff, who admitted abusing the animals between April 2 and April 27, covers his face as he leaves court

Speaking outside court, Dr Toni Shephard, Director of Animal Equality UK, said: 'We are pleased that two pig farm workers have admitted their disgusting attacks on the vulnerable animals in their care, revealed by our investigation.

'We thank the RSPCA for prosecuting this case so swiftly.'

Cameras planted in Fir Tree Farm after suspicions that pigs were being ill-treated revealed Wagstaff and Grogprkevs subjecting the terrified animals to horrific abuse.

The pigs' squeals can be heard as they try to escape from the pair around the pens.

Prior to the hearing, a number of animal rights activists protested outside the court to raise awareness about animal abuse across the country.

The distressing footage shows a pig being kicked and prodded with pitchforks as it squeals it pain

Speaking outside court, Dr Toni Shephard, Director of Animal Equality UK, said: 'We are pleased that two pig farm workers have admitted their disgusting attacks on the vulnerable animals in their care, revealed by our investigation'

Steve Witts, of Grimsby Action for Animals said: 'We are vegans and we are fighting for the rights of animals.

'When we see animals being abused we always try to demonstrate against it.

'The footage that Animal Equality gathered from Fir Trees Farm was terrible and we need to highlight what is going on in farms.'

Animal rights activist Jane said: 'Animals are in a position of vulnerability and they need our protection.

'As vegans, we believe that no animal needs to suffer abuse, they are sentient beings.

'In our society there is no need for us to be eating meat, it may be different in a third world where you have no choice in order to survive, but not here.'