Welfare Science

Pig Welfare Progress: 21st Century Milestones

Celebrating and building on the welfare gains achieved for pigs over the past two decades.

Key Facts

Sow gestation crate bans across the EU (2013) represent one of the largest legislative welfare advances in history
Tail docking rates have decreased in countries with active enforcement of manipulation material requirements
Growing consumer awareness has driven retailer commitments to higher welfare standards
Animal welfare science capacity for pigs has grown substantially, enabling evidence-based policy

Welfare Considerations

Pig welfare has seen real, measurable advances in the 21st century through legislative, commercial, and scientific progress. These gains demonstrate that systemic change is achievable. Building on them with continued advocacy, science investment, and consumer engagement can deliver further transformative improvements.

What You Can Do

Celebrate and share positive welfare progress stories to demonstrate that change is possible
Support organisations that build on legislative gains through implementation monitoring
Contribute to evidence-based advocacy that sustains and extends pig welfare progress