Denmark’s Controversial Art Exhibit Sees Piglets Rescued from Abandonment Amid Outrage

Three piglets were stolen from an art exhibition in Copenhagen over the weekend. The incident occurred shortly after artist Marco Evaristti stated that the piglets would be left without food to raise awareness about animal welfare in Denmark, a leading pork exporter.

The exhibition, titled “And Now You Care?”, opened on March 3, 2025, in a former butcher’s warehouse in Copenhagen’s Meatpacking District. Evaristti, a Chilean artist, aimed to provoke discussion about the treatment of pigs in Denmark. He highlighted that tens of thousands of pigs die daily due to poor living conditions. The piglets were caged in shopping carts on straw and were provided with water but no food, with an expectation they would survive for up to five days.

During the exhibition, Evaristti announced he would also refrain from eating or drinking until the event concluded. However, the piglets went missing shortly after members of an animal rights organization visited the exhibition to check on their welfare. Evaristti reported that the theft occurred while the exhibition space was being cleaned on Saturday morning.

Key details surrounding the incident include:

• Exhibition date: March 3, 2025
• Location: Copenhagen, Denmark
• Artist: Marco Evaristti
• Purpose: Raise awareness about animal welfare
• Outcome: Theft of piglets shortly after animal rights check

This incident has sparked discussions about the ethics of using live animals in art and the broader implications of animal welfare in the agricultural industry. Evaristti’s provocative approach has drawn both support and criticism, highlighting the complex relationship between art, activism, and animal rights.

The theft of the piglets from Evaristti’s exhibition raises critical questions about animal rights and the responsibilities of artists in their work. As discussions continue, the incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing debate surrounding animal welfare in the agricultural sector.