noworldsystem.com

The US Army has defended a practice of shooting live pigs as part of a medical training exercise for soldiers heading to Iraq.

The military says the practice teaches troops emergency lifesaving skills needed on the battlefield when there are no doctors or medical facilities nearby.

“It’s to teach Army personnel how to manage critically injured patients within the first few hours of their injury,” said Major Derrick Cheng, spokesman for the 25th Infantry Division.

But animal cruelty organisation Peta has labelled the practice outdated and unnecessary and have urged the Army to rethink the plan.

“There’s absolutely no reason why they have to shoot live pigs,” spokeswoman Holly Beal said.

Peta said the training was brought to their attention by a “distraught” soldier who told them of plans to shoot the pigs with M4 carbines and M16 rifles.

The organisation said there were more humane options available, including high-tech human simulators.