Hundreds of dead pigs found at Amstetten farm

Hundreds of dead pigs were found at a pig-fattening farm in the Amstetten district, ORF reported. Police believe the death toll could be higher, and authorities are examining possible consequences for the operator.

Neighbours complained about the smell of decomposition in mid-July. Police and an official veterinarian then inspected the farm.

“It was established that 400 pigs had died. Eighty-eight animals were still alive and were then distributed among nearby farms,” police spokesman Johann Baumschlager told noe.ORF.at.

The farmer is believed to have had psychological problems and to have been overwhelmed by caring for the animals. Baumschlager said the farmer had not fed the pigs for some time and had been receiving psychological treatment.

The Amstetten district authority is now examining the consequences. Authorities believe the number of dead animals may be higher, Baumschlager said. Investigations are ongoing, and the farmer will be reported to the St Pölten public prosecutor’s office. Police said the farm had been officially closed.

Support services for men experiencing a mental health crisis are available across Austria, including Männerinfo on 0800 400 777 and Männernotruf on 05 7677.