By unlocking the export potential China offers the pig industry, not to mention the red meat sector as a whole, we could gain entry into a marketplace which comprises a fifth of the world’s population.Live pigs blown up in UK terror experiments
LIVE pigs are being blown up in experiments at a UK military base leading to outcry from MPs and animal rights activists.
Following an investigation by the Sunday Times, papers were released showing the experiments were being carried out to simulate the effects of a terrorist attack on civilians.
In total, 18 pigs were wrapped in Kevlar before being blown up, just three yards from an explosive device, at the Government’s secret military research lab at Porton Down in Wiltshire.
The pigs were anaesthetised before the explosions and following the blast were left to bleed, allowing scientists to find out how long it takes for the blood to drain from the body.
The experiments are aimed to help soldiers, medics and emergency services understand how to control haemorrhaging in bomb blast victims.
News of the experiments angered animal rights activists and MPs who called for the practice to be stopped immediately.
Talking to the Sunday Times, Liberal Democrat MP Norman Baker said: “These are revolting and unnecessary experiments. Sadly, we are too familiar with the effects of terrorism.
“It is perfectly possible to find out things we don’t know without blowing up pigs to find out.”
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Readers' comments (19)
Rosemary Bennett | 26 January 2010 1:50 pm
I am very saddened by this news and find it hard to believe that this experiment is really necessary. I sincerely hope nothing similar ever takes place again.
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Anonymous | 26 January 2010 3:21 pm
If these tests save only one soldiers life, it will be well worth it. Perhaps the objectors would like to swap places!
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john donald | 26 January 2010 3:27 pm
I am utterly disgusted by this very cruel and unnecessary exploitation of these poor animals and it should be stopped immediately I think we know the affects of an explosion without this barbaric act.
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Anonymous | 26 January 2010 5:38 pm
For goodness sake. They are pigs, they do not have grieving parents, grandparents or children. If they are used to assist with survival in combat or terrorist situations then what a good idea. I only recently saw a young lad buried in my local town who had been killed in Afghanistan. Made me think.
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Roger | 26 January 2010 10:01 pm
As an animal lover I find this revolting.
There are plenty of low-life murdering scum in our prisons that would make perfect "guinea-pigs"
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JB | 26 January 2010 11:39 pm
Surely there must have been 18 convicted terrorists to have used for this experiment. The fools were willing to get the experience anyway, So where`s the problem .
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DARREN | 27 January 2010 1:24 am
If it saves our soilders lives then i don't see what the problem is. People who think a few pigs are worth more than our boys and girls lives need to have their heads checked!
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Anonymous | 27 January 2010 10:49 am
Yes, this is disgusting but then people will quite happily buy danish bacon where the poor pigs have spent their lives in a metal cage suffering mental torture.
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Pig Farmer | 27 January 2010 11:26 am
Of the comments I've seen on this subject, the one refering to danish bacon I agree with the most...Thank You. I agree the act of blowing up pigs was discusting, even though I appreciate the importance of what the military was trying to acheive. However, they were unaware of what was going on, they did not suffer.....pigs reared intensively in crates and cages are aware, they do suffer every min of their pittifully short lives.. Did you know that it is very common for pigs to loose their tails and ears from other pigs biting them off in intensive systems... They are incredibly smart animals, when stressed and bored they go insane, its horrific to see...and some how perfectly acceptable be everyone whos buys intensively reared pork from anywhere this country included.
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Anonymous | 27 January 2010 1:53 pm
How much easier is to replace pigs than humans?
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