Woman, 28, spending three weeks living in pig crate so small she can't stand

A woman is living like a pig in Trafalgar Square for three weeks - in a crate so small she is unable to even stand up. Michelle Farnham, 28, is spending 21 nights in the 43-inch tall farrowing crate, located in one of London's busiest tourist spots. Since she climbed inside on September 1 she has been sleeping, brushing her teeth, using the bathroom, and even washing herself from within the bars. A team of volunteers take care of her 24 hours a day, working in shifts to make sure she is safe and has everything she needs including food, water, and buckets. Vegan activitist Michelle, from Hertfordshire, is carrying out the challenge to raise awareness for the conditions mother pigs are kept in. She said: “The hardest part is definitely the lack of freedom. I am a very independent person and I now have to ask people for help with everything. “All freedom has been completely stripped away from me. It made me have sympathy for the pigs even more. “I have people looking after me and a doctor coming to check that I am alright. The pigs don’t have that. It is really difficult being in here but I just keep thinking that the pigs have it much worse.” Michelle became involved with the campaign group Animal Rising straight out of university through their sister organisation Plant Based University. Ever since she has worked as their footage reviewer, and has seen thousands of clips from farms and slaughterhouses. The idea started with a real life pig, who the group filmed for a month to see the conditions she was kept in. Horrified by how she was treated, they decided to do a bold demonstration. The crate came from a real factory farm and is 83 inches long, 32 inches wide, and 43 inches tall. Three weeks was picked as this is the shortest amount of time a mother pig is kept inside one. Michelle said: “When it was first suggested I didn’t put myself forward but the more I thought about it I realised that I fit the bill. We needed someone who was able to talk about pigs relatively confidently. “I love animals, that is the reason I stopped eating them. “It is an experience and in many ways I am glad I am doing it but I wouldn’t want to do something quite like this ever again.” The group have a tent to cover the crate for privacy when Michelle needs the loo or to sleep, but she says she still feels very watched. The things that feel most uncomfortable under the public eye are brushing her teeth and washing her hair. Michelle can ask for quiet time where she will put her headphones on and volunteers keep the public from engaging with her. They also have a gazebo for when it rains or is too hot. The animal lover says it has been tough, but she feels quite safe and supported. She added: “It is quieter than I was expecting. Something that has been really lovely is that the homeless community have been really welcoming. “The first night was really rough. I only managed to get a couple of hours sleep and I thought if this carries on then I can't do this. But I am getting an alright amount of sleep now. “I am not enjoying being in here, but I have gotten used to it.” The stunt has received a lot of reaction from passersby, and Michelle says mostly people are supportive. Her family were initially very worried about her safety, but she says since seeing the setup they have relaxed. So far, they have received more than 17,000 signatures on the petition to free Luna the pig. Michelle said: “It is a very strange situation to see your daughter in a pig crate but it has been really wonderful having so many people come and support me. “It has been so positive. If there had been negativity it would be a lot more draining. We have had people make the occasional comment or give me the middle finger. “As soon as we explain what this is people are horrified that it is happening in the UK. “I am looking forward to it ending but I hope that the impact continues." Rose Patterson, 37, director of Animal Rising, is one of the helpers assisting Michelle through her mission. She added: “The crate was actually another member's idea, but we needed to find the perfect person. I thought it was genius. “Michelle has got the knowledge of what has been going on in these farms and she is a great spokesperson. “We were worried that we would get moved on by the council but it has been very smooth. “Most people have been supportive or just interested. The majority just have no idea what is happening and they are really shocked. People are really inspired by Michelle’s bravery.”

Melden