Farm Animals

Pig Cognitive Complexity and Welfare

Research into pig cognition reveals high intelligence that strengthens the welfare case for improving enrichment and reducing suffering in pig farming.

Key Facts

Pigs have been shown to play video games, recognise themselves in mirrors, and use tools
They show empathy, optimism bias, and complex social relationships
Cognitive complexity suggests a greater capacity for suffering than previously assumed
Enriched environments improve cognitive performance and positive emotional states
Most commercial pigs are kept in environments that severely restrict behavioural expression

Welfare Considerations

Evidence of pig cognitive complexity strengthens the ethical and welfare case for dramatically improving commercial pig housing and enrichment. The gap between what pigs can experience and what current systems allow is a profound welfare concern.

What You Can Do

Choose pork from RSPCA Assured or free-range certified systems
Advocate for mandatory enrichment and space standards in pig farming
Support research into positive pig welfare indicators and cognitive enrichment
Reduce pork consumption or shift toward certified higher-welfare products
Engage with pig welfare campaigns and share compelling evidence about pig intelligence