Farm Animals

Animal Welfare in Intensive Pig Production: A Global Overview

Intensive pig production dominates global pork supply. Understanding the welfare landscape across key producing nations is essential to informed advocacy and purchasing decisions.

Key Facts

Over 1.3 billion pigs are slaughtered globally each year
Gestation crates remain legal and standard in the US, Brazil, and much of Asia
EU welfare regulations are among the strongest globally but enforcement varies
China is the world's largest pig producer with minimal welfare regulation
Genetic selection for rapid lean growth creates metabolic and skeletal welfare problems
Consumer certification schemes drive adoption of higher standards in competitive markets

Welfare Considerations

Global pig welfare is unevenly addressed across jurisdictions. Practices banned in the EU are standard in major producing countries, creating welfare arbitrage in international trade. Without consistent import standards, higher domestic welfare requirements fail to reduce global pig suffering. International trade policy and corporate sourcing commitments are critical levers for systemic change.

What You Can Do

Choose pork from countries and producers with verified higher welfare standards
Support campaigns for equivalent import welfare standards to domestic requirements
Advocate for global welfare benchmarking in international pig industry forums