Farm Animals

The Welfare of Intensively Farmed Pigs

Intensively farmed pigs are among the most intelligent animals in commercial agriculture and among the most welfare-compromised by standard industrial practices.

Key Facts

Sow stalls (gestation crates) confine pregnant pigs too small to turn around for months
The EU banned sow stalls except during a four-week period after insemination
Tail docking is practiced on up to 95% of pigs in conventional EU systems
Pigs in barren environments show biting, aggression, and stereotype behaviors
Enrichment with rooting material reduces aggression by up to 50%

Welfare Considerations

Pig intelligence is well-established — they outperform dogs on many cognitive tests — making the welfare costs of intensive confinement proportionally greater. Sow stalls prevent virtually all movement for months. Tail docking without analgesia is practiced to prevent tail biting, itself a symptom of crowding and boredom rather than an inevitable pig behavior. Enrichment and space resolve the root cause; mutilation addresses the symptom.

What You Can Do

Choose RSPCA Assured, Soil Association, or higher-welfare certified pork products
Advocate for complete sow stall bans and enrichment requirements in your country
Support retailers committed to sourcing pork only from non-sow-stall operations
Reduce pork consumption as a direct welfare intervention given scale of suffering involved