36. Why Is There a Woman in a Pig Crate? The Animal Rising Protest Explained
Sep 22, 2026 · 51 min · 14 segments
Put your thoughts into the mix There’s a woman in a farrowing crate in Trafalgar Square — but what exactly is Animal Rising trying to tell us about…
Put your thoughts into the mix There’s a woman in a farrowing crate in Trafalgar Square — but what exactly is Animal Rising trying to tell us about pig farming? In this episode of The Wilson & Ashley Podcast, we’re looking at the protest involving Michelle, the Animal Rising activist who put herself inside a farrowing crate as part of their campaign to end factory farming in Britain by 2040. The campaign centres around Luna, a sow filmed by Animal Rising during a month-long investigation at a pig farm. We look at the footage, the way it is presented, and some of the farming practices highlighted in the video. But how much context is missing? We discuss what farrowing crates are, why they are used, the welfare arguments for and against them, and what UK law actually says. We also look at the challenges of moving towards crate-free systems, including cost, infrastructure, labour, piglet mortality and the potential impact on British pork production - thank you to pig farmer Anna Longthorp for her contribution. And then there’s Michelle in the crate. Is comparing a human to a sow an effective way of communicating the welfare issue — or does it simply provoke an emotional reaction? Is the protest presenting a powerful image and what do we really think about farrowing crates. Plus, The Jury’s Out returns, with Charlotte revealing what she’s completely over this week. Thank you as always to BKT and Kirkby Tyres for supporting the podcast. Join our **Listener Community**: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1110531760649475/ If you’ve got a story, an opinion, or an idea for an episode… Send us a DM or drop us a voice note — we want to include your thoughts in our conversation. Subscribe now and let’s get into it! @wilsonandashley @rebeccawilsonfarming @charlotteashleyfarm *Powered by Ridgeline Clothing* Whilst we endeavour to research podcast topics to the best of our ability, we cannot guarantee the accuracy and completeness of all conversations and as such, the podcast does not constitute professional advice.
Put your thoughts into the mix There’s a woman in a farrowing crate in Trafalgar Square — but what exactly is Animal Rising trying to tell us about…
