Cruel Crates To Be Phased Out by Major Pig Producer
On January 25, 2007, the nation's largest pork producer, Smithfield Foods Inc., announced plans to phase out "gestation crates" at all of their breeding pig farms over the next decade. This is a major development, which is in response to growing awareness and opposition to the cruel treatment of animals exploited for food. It comes in the wake of an Arizona voter initiative, banning veal and gestation crates, that passed by a wide margin last November.
Narrow gestation crates are commonly used by the animal agriculture industry to confine pregnant pigs inside warehouse-type facilities without the ability to even turn around or lie down comfortably. Numerous research studies have shown physical and psychological maladies experienced by sows in confinement from the unnatural flooring and lack of exercise.
This new position by Smithfield is in stark contrast to the industry's previous statements and justifications about using gestation crates, wherein they had stated: "thousands of farmers, including our contract growers, depend on these individual stalls to house their sows to ensure the safety, welfare and health of each and every pig." This proves that animal advocates are gaining ground by educating the public and pressuring corporations to conduct themselves in ways that are more consistent with humane, societal ethics.
Farm Sanctuary sees this announcement as a major shift and indication of change, but we need to keep the pressure on...and we will. Thank you to everyone who has offered their time, energy and resources to our Pig Protection Campaign!
With your support, here are a few of the actions we have taken to secure legal protection for pigs:
Farm Sanctuary and other humane organizations were instrumental in Arizona legislation which passed on November 7, 2006. Arizona voters overwhelmingly voiced their compassion by saying Yes to Proposition 204, to ban the cruel and intensive confinement of veal calves and pregnant pigs on industrialized factory farms. This new law will finally allow these animals enough room to turn around and stretch their limbs.
Farm Sanctuary has filed a landmark lawsuit in Los Angeles, California, challenging the intensive confinement of pigs. Filed against Corcpork, Inc., one of California's largest pig breeding facilities, we are fighting to enforce the state animal cruelty law which should disallow confining breeding sows in gestation crates.
Media
New York Times - March 14, 2007
Pig OutWashington Post - January 25, 2007
Largest Pork Processor to Phase Out CratesReuters - January 25, 2007
Smithfield to phase out gestation crates - WSJWall Street Journal - January 25, 2007
Smithfield to Phase Out CratesAg Professional Weekly - January 25, 2007
Smithfield to switch from gestations stalls to group housing for sows
