Born at Christmas time in 2023, this little pig was rescued from a shed along with his mum Noelle and seven siblings, who were named in honour of the festive season.

Found by a kind human who the universe had guided to be there at just the right time. Drawn to the tiny window of the makeshift manger by the cheery grunts of Noelle as she busily prepared her maternity room. Peering inside, nothing could have prepared them for the sight they found.

“Let mother nature take her course, for she knows just what to do,” we offered. Assuredly adding, “We’ll be with you shortly.”

With our knowledge of the fierce love mumma pigs have for their babies guiding our next move, each velvety one was ferried to our straw-filled float. All done under the watchful eye of Noelle, who marched stoically along with us all.

Arriving at Edgar’s Mission with a broken leg, Chris Mas quickly took up residence in the heart and home of Edgar’s Mission Founder, Pam Ahern

Did you know pigs are thought to be smarter than some dogs?

They have engaging personalities, enjoy good food and the sun, seek out companionship, love their babies and desperately try to protect their own lives.

Yet in Australia, pigs are not protected from acts of cruelty as are our beloved dogs and cats.

This is simply because society has determined a different “use” for them.

Female pigs in factory farms are treated as breeding machines, enduring a cycle of suffering and deprivation. Each year, thousands of pregnant pigs are kept in tiny metal individual ‘sow stalls’ inside sheds. Kept continually pregnant and severely confined, they are forced to stand or lie on hard floors. It is these animals who produce the piglets destined to become bacon, ham and pork products.

As a result, these gentle and intelligent creatures develop physical and psychological problems that see them “worn out” before their time.

They are then sent to slaughter.

Sows are extremely maternal and they will spend many hours making a nest for their piglets. But sadly in factory farming mother pigs have nearly all of their natural instincts frustrated.

Just prior to giving birth they are moved to ‘farrowing crates’, an even smaller area where their body is encircled by metal bars to even further limit their movement. With no straw for bedding, mother pigs must give birth to their piglets on a hard floor.

Nurturing and interacting with her young is impossible as the metal frame imprisons her. Her young are removed after 3 or 4 weeks – an earlier age than would occur naturally – and she is impregnated again, and the cycle of suffering and deprivation continues.

But you can help to create a kinder world for pigs – read on for how!

The simplest way to help pigs like Chris Mas is to leave them off your plate. And with so many delicious alternatives to bacon, pork and ham these days, it’s never been easier!

When you make the pledge for Be Kind to Animals Week, you’ll get a free Kindness Kit and delicious plant-based recipes to help get you started.

Because no matter what animals look like, they all need and deserve kindness.