A Closer Look at Pigs: What You Might Not Know

When we slow down and truly see animals for who they are, everything begins to shift. Pigs are not just a product or a plate of food—they are intelligent, emotional, deeply social beings who form bonds, feel joy, and experience the world in ways that may surprise you. I believe that awareness is a powerful first step toward compassionate living. The more we learn, the more we can align our choices with our values—without pressure, but with intention.

Did you know?

Pigs Are Highly Intelligent

Pigs are considered one of the smartest animals in the world—often compared to dogs and even young human children. They can solve puzzles, learn tricks, and understand simple commands.

They Have Excellent Memories

Pigs can remember things for long periods of time, including locations, other animals, and even people. This helps them navigate their environment and maintain social bonds.

Pigs Form Deep Social Bonds

They are very social animals who build close relationships with other pigs. They often sleep close together, communicate frequently, and show signs of affection.

They Communicate In Complex Ways

Pigs use a wide range of vocalizations—over 20 different sounds—to express emotions like excitement, stress, contentment, and curiosity.

Mother Pigs Sing To Their Babies

Sows (mother pigs) communicate with their piglets through soft grunts and sounds that function almost like “singing,” helping guide and comfort them.

Pigs Can Play and Show Joy

When pigs are happy, they engage in play behaviors like running, jumping, and even playing with toys—similar to dogs.

They Are Emotionally Sensitive

Pigs can feel empathy and respond to the emotions of other pigs. They can become stressed when others around them are distressed.

Pigs Are Naturally Clean Animals

Despite stereotypes, pigs prefer to keep their living spaces clean and will designate specific areas for sleeping and eliminating waste when given the opportunity.

Did you know that 120-130 million pigs are slaughtered annually in the United States. Approximately 300,00-400,000 are slaughtered daily.

Pigs Are Often Confined In Extremely Small Spaces

Many mother pigs are kept in gestation and farrowing crates so small they cannot turn around, walk, or fully stretch their bodies for weeks or even months at a time.

They Are Separated From Their Babies Very Early

Piglets are typically taken from their mothers just a few weeks after birth, which is distressing for both the mother and her babies, who naturally would stay together much longer.

Painful Procedures Are Done Without Adequate Pain Relief

Common practices include tail docking (cutting off part of the tail), teeth clipping, and castration—often performed without anesthesia.

Overcrowding Leads To Stress and Aggression

In crowded environments, pigs can become frustrated and stressed, sometimes leading to fighting or harmful behaviors like biting each other’s tails.

They Live On Hard, Unnatural Flooring

Instead of soft ground, pigs are typically kept on concrete or slatted floors, which can cause injuries and prevent natural behaviors like rooting.

They Are Unable To Express Natural Behaviors

Pigs are naturally curious animals who love to explore and build nests—but in industrial systems, they are deprived of these instincts.

The Air Quality Can Be Harmful

Enclosed facilities often have high levels of ammonia from waste, which can cause respiratory issues and discomfort.

Transport and Slaughter Are Highly Stressful

Before slaughter, pigs are transported in crowded trucks, often without food or water for long periods, and exposed to extreme temperatures. Sometimes pigs freeze solid during transport.

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Why is this okay?

Learning about the horrors in the animal agriculture industry hurts my heart. We do not need to consume animals for protein. The flavors we enjoy mostly come from the sauce and seasonings used to flavor meat. With so many advances in plant-based meats, we can enjoy the same flavors and textures we are accustomed to, without contributing to the suffering of other sentient beings.

I would love to hear your thoughts. What is a fact you learned from this post? Please keep comments respectful. Thank you.

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Jennifer Shlomovich is a Plant-Powered Lifestyle-Educator on a mission to help others improve their health by eating more plants. Jennifer is also passionate about educating others about the realities of animal agriculture and how embodying a vegan lifestyle is a beautiful experience. As the only vegan in her household, she knows firsthand how challenging it can be to stay true to your values when the people around you aren’t on the same path. For years, she put everyone else’s needs ahead of her own, but through her journey, she discovered the power of setting boundaries, living by her values, and confidently prioritizing her well-being. On her YouTube channel, The Confident Vegan, she shares inspiring interviews, practical tips, and empowering conversations about what it really means to live in alignment with your values. She is also the co-host of That Vegan Morning Show with Kimberly Winters of the Did You Bring The Hummus podcast.