Louis Vuitton began tattooing live pigs in 1997 , before doing it in China where animal welfare laws are more lax . Belgian artist claims pigs were spoiled , with locals said to have been amazed at how well they were treated . Up to three artists applied tattoo while each pig was under anaesthetic , and carers regularly moisturised skin . But animal rights campaigners claim pigs were suffering unnecessarily and abused for improper commercial gain .
Wim Delvoye began tattooing live pigs in 1997 , before doing it in China where animal welfare laws are more lax . Belgian artist claims pigs were spoiled , with locals said to have been amazed at how well they were treated . Up to three artists applied tattoo while each pig was under anaesthetic , and carers regularly moisturised skin . But animal rights campaigners claim pigs were suffering unnecessarily and abused for improper commercial gain .