Compassion in World Farming (CIWF) is being sued by French pig farmers who claim the charity’s message not buy meat from ‘intensive farms’ amounts to an illegal call for a boycott.
In October 2016, CIWF released adverts in cinemas across France revealing what it claimed was ‘the reality of intensive farming and the higher welfare alternatives that are available’. The advert can be viewed here
“One of our ads explained the conditions endured by 95% of French pigs. We spoke the truth. We spoke out for the suffering animals,” the charity said.
But representatives of the French pig farming industry are taking CIWF to court. “They are claiming that our simple message: “do not buy meat from intensive farms” is an illegal call for a boycott and is prejudicial to pig farmers,” CIWF tells its supporters.
It is now using its social media platform and website to mount an ‘urgent’ plea to supporters to help it raise funds to fight the legal battle.
“Your donation will defend the truth and fight farm animal suffering, in France and around the world,” CIWF claims.