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Copenhagen Piglet Art Installation Sparks Controversy and Unexpected Rescue
A Copenhagen art exhibit meant to spotlight the harsh realities of industrial pig farming took an unexpected turn when the subjects of the display, three piglets, were “pig-napped” by animal rights activists.
Chilean-born artist Marco Evaristti’s installation, “And Now You Care,” featured piglets Lucia, Simon, and Benjamin in a makeshift cage, intended to starve as a commentary on mass meat production. The exhibit drew immediate international attention and sparked outrage from animal welfare groups. While some acknowledged the attempt to raise awareness, many condemned the use of live animals and their suffering as a medium.
Evaristti reported the piglets stolen to police, forcing the closure of the exhibition. He was later surprised to learn his friend, Caspar Steffensen, had facilitated the rescue.
Steffensen admitted to assisting activists after his young daughter pleaded with him to save the piglets. The animal advocacy group De Glemte Danske publicly claimed responsibility for the rescue, revealing the secret operation.
While initially dismayed by the theft, Evaristti ultimately expressed relief that the piglets would live. He now plans to revamp the exhibition, considering the display of piglets obtained from meat processing plants or auctioning live piglets with the stipulation they go to loving homes.
The artist maintains his work is intended to champion animal rights, despite receiving global criticism. Copenhagen police confirmed receiving the theft report.