Gestation crates confine pregnant sows for most of their 16-week pregnancy in spaces where they cannot turn around, causing severe welfare harm that has driven major bans and corporate commitments.
Gestation crates represent one of the clearest cases in animal welfare where scientific evidence of harm combined with advocacy pressure and corporate engagement has driven genuine industry change. The suffering of sows confined in spaces where they cannot turn around for months is well-documented. The UK banned this practice in 1999. The EU phased out the use during most of gestation. Major US retailers and fast food companies have committed to eliminate gestation crate pork from their supply chains. Progress has been slower than commitments suggested — cost and facility redesign create barriers. But the direction of change is clear, and continuing pressure on corporate commitment fulfillment is needed.