ANDREW MARWOOD AND LEE PEARCY FROM KIRKBYMOORSIDE AND POCKLINGTON FACING JUSTICE OVER ANIMAL ABUSE IN YORKSHIRE

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community, Andrew Marwood, born on August 4, 1995, of Manor Close, Kirkbymoorside, and Lee Pearcy of The Mile, Pocklington, both found themselves in court after being implicated in a serious animal welfare offence involving a pig. The incident took place at a farm in Wyton, located within the Holderness area of Yorkshire, and was brought to light following a distressing video that surfaced online.

According to reports, the footage captured the moment when Marwood, who was employed by an unnamed pig production company, was seen lifting a reluctant pig by its tail and striking it with a pig board—a tool typically used to guide pigs during handling. The video further showed Pearcy, also an employee of the same company, hitting the same pig multiple times with the pig board after it refused to load onto a transport lorry. The incident occurred on April 24, 2023, and was reported to authorities by a concerned member of the public who had viewed the footage.

Animal health officers from East Riding Council launched an investigation into the matter. Their inquiries revealed that the company involved had previously provided extensive training on proper pig handling techniques. Despite this, the footage clearly depicted a blatant disregard for animal welfare, with the use of violence that could cause unnecessary fear, injury, or suffering to the animals. The officers confirmed that the handling methods used by Marwood and Pearcy were in direct violation of animal transport legislation.

Following the investigation, disciplinary actions were taken by the employer. Lee Pearcy was dismissed from his position, while Andrew Marwood was transferred to a driving role that did not involve livestock handling, in an effort to prevent further incidents. Both men pleaded guilty to the charges in court, which included using prohibited handling techniques and causing unnecessary suffering to the pigs.

In the sentencing hearing, Andrew Marwood was ordered to pay a fine of £480, along with £800 in costs, and a victim surcharge of £192. Lee Pearcy received a fine of £384, with £800 in costs and a victim surcharge of £154. The case has sparked widespread concern about animal welfare standards within the local pig farming industry and has prompted calls for stricter enforcement of animal handling laws in Yorkshire.