Animals perish in Gingin blaze

More than 1100 animals, including at least 1000 piglets have died after a fire in the “maternity ward” at WA’s biggest piggery yesterday.

The fire started in the 60m by 20m farrowing shed which houses sows and piglets.

A police spokesman said dozens more animals were expected to be put down today.

A Fire and Emergency Services Authority spokesman said the blaze at Boonanarring north of Gingin started after a lighting lamp caught fire.

Damage at the Westpork-owned operation was estimated at $400,000.

Three years ago police raided the piggery amid claims that some animals had eaten others which had died in the pens. Last year Westpork was charged over the incident.

Westpork is the State's biggest pork producer, providing 150,000 animals a year and accounting for 30 per cent of local pork supplies.