Government to investigate British pigs

LONDON, June 18 (UPI) -- The British government has begun an investigation of pig farms after an animal rights group released pictures showing dirty animals with sores.

The Animal Health Agency promised to look into the allegations, The Independent reported.

Animal Aid passed pictures of pigs to the newspaper. The group targeted the industry after it launched an advertising campaign aimed at encouraging pork consumption that shows pigs on clean straw and promised a "top quality product from a well cared for animal."

The group photographed pigs covered with dung and with bite marks and open sores. One sow had a broken leg that appeared to have been badly set.

The British Pig Executive denied that the pictures show typical conditions on pig farms and said that it would begin its own investigation if Animal Aid would supply the names of the farms involved.