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A pair of "disgusting" farmers abused pigs by kicking and battering them with pitch forks, a court heard.

Troy Wagstaff, 30, and Artis Grogprkevs, 31, admitted abusing pigs by causing them unnecessary suffering after being caught red-handed by an animal charity sting operation.

Grimsby Magistrates' Court heard the attacks were uncovered by the deafening pig squeals following a covert investigation by Animal Equality which placed secret cameras inside Fir Tree Farm in Goxhill, North Lincolnshire.

The sickening footage uncovered the horrific abuse at the hands of the two men as they were hauled before the courts following a prosecution by the RSPCA, reports Grimsby Live.

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."

(Image: Animal Equality)

The two men both pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to protected animals.

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.

(Image: Animal Equality)

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

The case was adjourned at the request of the prosecution so a third defendant could appear in court.

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 hearing.

(Image: Grimsbylive)

Cameras were planted above pens at Fir Tree Farm after suspicions were raised that pigs were being ill-treated.

The footage then revealed Wagstaff and Grogprkevs subjecting the terrified animals to horrific abuse.

The squeals coming from the pig pens can be heard as they try to escape from the pair.

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

(Image: Grimsbylive)

Steve Witts, of 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."

(Image: Grimsbylive)

Animal rights activist Jane added: "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."

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