Banning gestation crates for pregnant sows is one of the most significant farmed animal welfare campaigns globally. Understanding the progress made and remaining challenges informs continued advocacy.
The gestation crate phase-out campaign demonstrates that sustained consumer and regulatory pressure can produce significant welfare improvements at scale. The EU ban, state bans in the US, and corporate pledges represent real progress for millions of sows annually. However, the gap between pledges and implementation reveals a persistent challenge: companies make commitments but face less accountability for delivery timelines. The welfare stakes are high — sows in gestation crates cannot perform fundamental behaviors for their entire reproductive lives. Continued pressure from consumers, advocates, and regulatory bodies is needed to ensure pledges translate into actual housing changes and that phase-out timelines are maintained.