Farm Animal Welfare

Pig Gestation Crate Phase-Out Welfare Progress

Global progress on phasing out gestation crates for sows has been uneven, with significant welfare improvements in some countries while others lag behind international standards.

Key Facts

EU banned continuous gestation crate use from 2013, requiring group housing from 4 weeks post-service
UK has required outdoor access or deep litter for sows since 1999
US progress has been driven by corporate commitments rather than legislation
China and Southeast Asia have minimal gestation crate regulation
Group housing requires good management to minimise aggression between sows

Welfare Considerations

Gestation crates prevent sows from turning around for months at a time, causing profound frustration and physical discomfort. Phase-out progress represents one of the most significant farm animal welfare improvements of recent decades, though global adoption remains incomplete.

What You Can Do

Choose pork from countries and producers that have banned gestation crates
Support international pressure on major producing countries to implement reforms
Advocate for binding global welfare standards in international trade agreements