Farm Animal Welfare

Pig Welfare Progress Reasons for Hope

Evidence of genuine welfare progress in pig farming provides reasons for optimism and motivation for continued advocacy effort.

Key Facts

Sow group housing legislation across the EU has improved welfare for millions of gestating sows
UK outdoor pig production has expanded, providing better welfare to an increasing proportion of sows
Corporate welfare commitments from major food companies have driven supply chain improvements
Antibiotic reduction in UK pig farming has been achieved while maintaining health outcomes
Welfare science has provided validated tools enabling more systematic assessment and improvement

Welfare Considerations

Welfare progress is real, documented and continuing. Recognising genuine achievements sustains the motivation of advocates and demonstrates to industry that welfare improvement is achievable at scale. Progress tracking and celebration are as important as continuing pressure.

What You Can Do

Celebrate and share evidence of genuine pig welfare progress to maintain advocacy motivation
Support organisations documenting and communicating welfare improvement to broaden awareness
Recognise and reward producers and brands genuinely advancing pig welfare beyond compliance