Gestation Crates for Pigs: The Case for Elimination

Gestation crates — metal stalls so small sows cannot turn around — confine pregnant pigs for their entire 16-week pregnancy in one of the most criticised practices in industrial animal agriculture.

Key Facts

Gestation crates are approximately 2m x 0.6m — a sow cannot turn around or take more than one step forward
Most US sows spend their entire 4-month pregnancy in a gestation crate, repeatedly
The EU restricted gestation crates in 2013 — crates are only permitted for the first 4 weeks of pregnancy
California Prop 12 and multiple states have banned gestation crates; the US federal ban debate continues
Corporate commitments from Walmart, McDonald's, and others have driven some industry change

Welfare Considerations

Prolonged immobility causes muscle atrophy and joint problems in sows unable to stand, lie, or move normally. Boredom and frustration cause bar-biting and other stereotypic behaviors. Research consistently shows that group housing with adequate space produces better welfare outcomes — and comparable or better productivity. The welfare case for elimination is overwhelming.

What You Can Do

Choose pork products certified gestation-crate-free (Certified Humane, Global Animal Partnership Level 2+)
Support Humane Society campaigns for state and federal gestation crate bans
Pressure food companies that have made crate-free commitments to meet their deadlines
Reduce pork consumption from conventional industrial systems