Gestation Crate Phase-Out: Progress and Remaining Challenges

The movement away from gestation crates represents one of the most significant livestock welfare improvements in recent decades, but adoption remains incomplete globally.

Key Facts

Gestation crates confine pregnant sows in stalls too narrow to turn around for most of their pregnancy
EU countries phased out gestation crates (with brief exceptions) by 2013
The UK never permitted gestation crates in its pork production
US states including California, Massachusetts, and Florida have banned gestation crates
Major food companies including McDonald's and Walmart have committed to cage-free pork sourcing
China, the world's largest pork producer, continues unrestricted gestation crate use

Welfare Considerations

Gestation crate phase-out represents a clear welfare victory achieved through the combination of legislative reform, corporate commitments, and consumer pressure working together. The welfare case against gestation crates is unambiguous - confining sentient animals in spaces too small to turn around for months at a time causes chronic physical and psychological suffering. Progress has been substantial in Europe and in major corporate supply chains, but the global picture remains mixed with billions of sows still in crates. Continued advocacy and market pressure are necessary to complete the transition.

What You Can Do

Choose pork products certified as raised without gestation crates
Support food companies that have committed to 100% gestation crate-free sourcing
Advocate for gestation crate bans in countries and states where they remain legal
Engage with restaurants and food service companies about their pork sourcing standards
Reduce pork consumption to decrease overall demand for gestation crate-produced pork
Support international campaigns pressuring major pork-producing countries to adopt welfare standards