Farm Animals

Pig Sow Welfare and Housing Systems

The welfare of breeding sows is among the most significant issues in farm animal welfare, particularly regarding confinement systems.

Key Facts

Over 1.4 million sows are kept in the UK, with millions more globally
Gestation crate bans are now in place in the UK and EU, with group housing mandatory
Group sow housing improves welfare but requires careful social management
Sow longevity is poor in intensive systems due to leg problems and metabolic disease
Free-range and outdoor sow systems provide the highest welfare standards

Welfare Considerations

Sow welfare has improved significantly through gestation crate bans, but challenges remain in group housing management and farrowing systems. Ongoing reform is essential to address remaining welfare concerns.

What You Can Do

Choose higher-welfare pork with RSPCA Assured or similar certification
Advocate for farrowing crate reform to allow sow movement and natural behaviour
Support producers transitioning to free-farrowing systems
Engage with pig welfare campaigns and policy consultations
Reduce pork consumption or shift toward certified higher-welfare products