Staring Into The Eyes Of Pigs On Their Way To Slaughter

<p> Toronto Pig Save </p>
<p> Toronto Pig Save </p>

Pigs are among the smartest animals around - peering into their eyes can reveal just what emotional and intelligent creatures they are.

Some studies have suggested they are smarter than dogs and even three-year-old children.

They've even learned to understand how reflections in mirrors work - a task that many animals can't master.

Yet, most of the 100 million pigs raised for human consumption each year in the U.S. spend their lives enduring the harsh conditions of factory farms: cramped cages, lack of sunlight and exercise and extremely short lives.

The photos, compiled by activist group Toronto Pig Save, capture the faces of these intelligent animals on their way to the slaughterhouse.

(All photos via Toronto Pig Save)