A Danish pig farming executive is facing online harassment and threats following a TV 2 documentary that revealed animal welfare violations in his facilities. Hans Christian Gæmelke, chairman of Landbrug & Fødevarer Gris, has received hateful messages calling him names like “psychopath” and “animal abuser” after activists filmed hidden footage in his barns earlier this year.
Hateful Messages Follow Documentary Exposure
Hans Christian Gæmelke has become the target of aggressive online harassment after appearing in the TV 2 documentary “Hvem passer på grisene?” (Who’s Looking After the Pigs?). The film featured hidden camera footage from his pig farm in Vejen, southern Jutland, captured by activists who broke into his facilities in spring 2025.
The pig producer told TV 2 that he has received numerous disturbing messages from anonymous social media profiles. These messages have included insults ranging from calling him a “pig” and “animal abuser” to “psychopath.” TV 2 has verified several of these hateful communications.
Gæmelke admits he has made mistakes in his pig production operations. However, he believes society must be able to accept errors without resorting to such extreme reactions. Despite fighting for both the industry and animal welfare, he says the tone and content of these messages are unacceptable.
Fear and Security Concerns in Pig Barns
The harassment has created a climate of fear that extends beyond Gæmelke himself. His employees are reportedly terrified that activists might return to the farm. When walking through his barns, Gæmelke now finds himself constantly looking over his shoulder.
He describes the experience as profoundly unsettling. The fact that strangers broke into his private property and rummaged through his belongings feels extremely invasive. Although he has nothing to hide and welcomes visitors with appointments, the unauthorized intrusion crosses a serious line.
In response to these concerns, Gæmelke has significantly increased security measures at his facilities. He now ensures all doors are locked more carefully than before. While he hasn’t experienced another break-in since the documentary aired in November, the possibility weighs heavily on his mind and those of his workers.
Threatening Social Media Posts
One particularly alarming incident involved a post in a Facebook group. An anonymous user wrote that “we now have the court’s word that it’s okay to visit barns,” then asked if anyone wanted to join them to “knock off some pigs.” TV 2 confirmed viewing this post before it was subsequently deleted.
This post appeared after a regional court lifted a temporary ban on showing some of the hidden footage from the documentary. The timing suggests some individuals interpreted the court decision as permission to take matters into their own hands.
Gæmelke views such posts as crossing into dangerous territory. He has heard about politicians and other public figures receiving hate messages before, but never experienced it personally until now. The fact that people hide behind anonymous profiles and suspicious email addresses makes the situation even more troubling in his view.
Multiple Farmers Affected by Backlash
Gæmelke is not alone in facing this harassment. Two other prominent pig producers featured in the documentary have experienced similar digital abuse. Jeppe Bloch, chairman of Danske Svineproducenter, and Ulrik Bremholm, vice chairman of Landbrug & Fødevarer, described their experiences in a joint opinion piece published in Jyllands-Posten newspaper.
The three farmers wrote about their shared experiences of break-ins, threats, and harassment following the TV 2 exposé. Their accounts paint a picture of an industry under siege from activists and public opinion.
The documentary featured four top figures in Danish agriculture. Besides Gæmelke, Bloch, and Bremholm, it also included Søren Søndergaard, chairman of Landbrug & Fødevarer. Experts who reviewed the hidden footage for TV 2 identified multiple instances where conditions appeared to violate animal welfare laws.
TV 2 Responds to Harassment Claims
Michael Nørgaard, editor-in-chief at TV 2 Documentary, issued a statement condemning the harassment directed at pig producers. He emphasized that neither the court ruling nor TV 2’s documentary endorses or legitimizes any form of harassment or criminal activity against farmers.
The purpose of the documentary was to inform Danish citizens about serious animal welfare issues found in pig barns operated by agricultural industry leaders. Nørgaard stated that this goal was fully achieved and that the regional court agreed the documentary’s publication was justified.
Nevertheless, TV 2 takes a firm stance against any chikane or criminal acts committed against pig producers. The broadcaster maintains that exposing problematic conditions does not give anyone permission to threaten or harass those involved.
Police Investigation Underway
Dyrenes Beskyttelse (Animals’ Protection) filed a police report against Gæmelke following the documentary, alleging violations of animal welfare laws. Syd- og Sønderjyllands Politi confirmed receiving the complaint and has begun investigating the case.
Police Commissioner Kent Brynilsen stated that because this is an ongoing investigation, authorities cannot provide further details at this time. Gæmelke told TV 2 he has not yet heard from police but expects visits from both law enforcement and Fødevarestyrelsen (the Danish Food Authority).
Interestingly, Gæmelke has not reported the hateful messages he’s received to police. Despite describing them as boundary-crossing and unacceptable, he has chosen not to pursue legal action against those sending threats and insults.
Since the hidden footage was recorded in March 2025, Gæmelke says he has implemented his own monitoring and follow-up procedures for his livestock operations. He appears to be taking steps to address the problems identified in the documentary.
Debate Over Acceptable Society Standards
The situation raises questions about how Danish society handles mistakes and accountability in agricultural production. Gæmelke argues there’s a slippery slope if society cannot accept that people make errors.
He believes the public response has been disproportionate to the violations shown. While acknowledging his responsibility for the conditions in his barns, he questions whether personal attacks and threats represent an appropriate response from concerned citizens.
The controversy reflects broader tensions in Denmark over animal welfare standards in industrial farming. The pig industry represents a significant economic sector for the country, but public expectations for humane treatment of animals continue to rise.
At the same time, farmers feel increasingly under siege from activists who use illegal methods like trespassing and hidden cameras. Many in the agricultural community view these tactics as violations of their privacy and property rights, regardless of what conditions the footage reveals.
Sources and References
The Danish Dream: Danish Pig Welfare U-Turn Sparks Outrage
The Danish Dream: Best Lawyer in Denmark for Foreigners
TV2: Griseformand får voldsomme beskeder efter TV 2-dokumentar: – Vil nogen knalde nogle svin?
