Farm Animals

Welfare of Pigs in Gestation Crates

Gestation crates confine pregnant sows in spaces so small they cannot turn around, causing severe physical and psychological welfare problems.

Key Facts

Gestation crates measure 2 feet by 7 feet — barely larger than the sow
Pigs are highly intelligent with cognitive abilities comparable to dogs
Sows in crates develop severe stereotypic behaviors from boredom and frustration
The EU banned gestation crates in 2013; the US has no federal ban
Over half of US pork still comes from gestation crate-using facilities

Welfare Considerations

Gestation crate confinement violates pigs welfare in virtually every dimension: physical freedom, social interaction, environmental exploration, and expression of natural behavior. The suffering of hundreds of millions of sows in these systems is well-documented and severe.

What You Can Do

Buy only pork labeled Certified Humane or Animal Welfare Approved
Advocate for a federal ban on gestation crates in the US
Support California Proposition 12-style laws in your state
Reduce pork consumption or switch to plant-based alternatives