Animal Aid

Every year millions of sheep, cattle and pigs and bartered in UK livestock markets. Some go from market direct to slaughter. Others are sold on to other farmers for further fattening.

Most British markets are overcrowded and ramshackle. On stone floors, slick with urine and excrement, the animals spend hours awaiting their fate. All the while they are subjected to the clanking of metal gates and often the the slaps, kicks and violent stick-work of often poorly trained drovers. Rarely will any of these animals be given water - even in the height of summer.