Pig Gestation Crate Elimination Progress

Gestation crates that confine breeding sows individually during pregnancy have been banned in many countries, but remain legal and widespread in others.

Key Facts

Gestation crates confine sows in individual stalls too small to turn around during 16-week pregnancies
EU law requires group housing for sows after 4 weeks of pregnancy since 2013
US states including California, Massachusetts, and Michigan have banned gestation crates
Multiple major food companies including McDonald's and Walmart have committed to crate-free supply chains
Group housing of sows requires skilled management to prevent aggression and injuries

Welfare Considerations

Gestation crates represent one of the most extreme welfare compromises in commercial pig production. Sows are highly intelligent, motivated animals whose complete restriction of movement, social interaction, and physical exercise for 16 weeks per pregnancy cycle causes significant psychological and physical suffering. Chronic muscle wastage, urinary tract infections, and behavioural frustration indicators are all elevated in crated animals compared to group-housed alternatives.

What You Can Do

Choose pork from producers that do not use gestation crates
Check major food brands for their gestation crate phase-out commitment status
Support Humane Society campaigns for gestation crate legislation
Advocate for gestation crate bans in countries where they remain legal
Engage with restaurants and food service companies about their supply chain policies