Research on pig cognition reveals remarkable intelligence that profoundly challenges the ethical acceptability of standard factory farming practices for one of the world most commonly eaten animals.
The cognitive and emotional sophistication of pigs is well-established in scientific literature but remains largely unknown to the general public. If pigs had the PR of dogs, their treatment in factory farming would be seen as clearly unacceptable. The same intelligence that allows pigs to suffer profoundly from boredom, isolation, and frustration also allows them to experience genuine joy, curiosity, and contentment when given appropriate conditions.