Pig Sow Housing and Freedom of Movement

The housing of breeding sows is one of the most contested welfare issues in pig farming. Gestation crates restrict movement severely; group housing requires good management to be welfare-positive.

Key Facts

Gestation crates confine sows individually for much of pregnancy — banned in UK since 1999
The UK banning of dry sow stalls was the first in the world
Group housing allows more natural behaviour but requires good management to prevent fighting
Electronic sow feeding (ESF) systems enable group housing with individual feed management
Some UK farms still import pork from EU countries using systems banned in the UK

Welfare Considerations

The UK ban on dry sow stalls (gestation crates) in 1999 was a significant welfare victory that removed one of the most restrictive and frustrating forms of confinement used in livestock farming. Sows in individual stalls cannot turn around, build nests, or interact socially — fundamental behavioural needs are entirely frustrated. Group housing allows movement and social interaction, reflecting sow welfare needs more appropriately. However, poorly managed group systems — with inadequate space, limited enrichment, and mixing of unfamiliar sows — can produce their own welfare problems. The welfare principle is not merely housing type but management quality within that housing.

What You Can Do

Choose pork from UK farms operating under higher welfare standards including group housing
Advocate against importing pork produced in gestation crates from countries where this is legal
Support the RSPCA Assured scheme which requires group sow housing with enrichment
Advocate for mandatory welfare equivalence standards on imported pork
Support campaigns to extend UK welfare standards globally through trade policy