Farm Animals

Pig Positive Human-Animal Relationship Welfare

The quality of the human-animal relationship in pig farming affects fear levels, stress responses and ultimately the welfare and productivity of pigs across the system.

Key Facts

Pigs raised by stockpeople who handle them gently and positively are less fearful of humans
High fear of humans increases stress at handling, sorting and loading events
Simple daily positive contact lasting 30 seconds per pen significantly reduces avoidance distance
Fear of humans is measurable and predictive of chronic stress and reduced welfare
Stockperson training in low-stress handling techniques improves both welfare and farm performance

Welfare Considerations

The human-animal relationship is a key welfare determinant in pig production. Investment in stockperson training and cultural change on farms is one of the highest-impact welfare interventions.

What You Can Do

Support farms investing in stockperson welfare training and positive handling culture
Advocate for human-animal relationship assessment as part of farm welfare audits
Ask retailers whether their pork supply chains include stockperson welfare training