Sow crates to be gone by 2015

Sow crates to be gone by 2015

Dec. 1 (BusinessDesk) – Comedian Mike King’s expose of intensive pig rearing has seen its consequence in legislation, with sow stalls to be phased out by 2015 and restrictions imposed on the use of farrowing crates.

The industry had fought a losing battle against changing consumer preferences in meat production, though the meat remains attractive on price and its byproducts, bacon and ham. Intensive pig farming now stokes the same consumer unease as battery hens.

“The growing unease of many New Zealanders about the use of sow stalls, which I share, made it clear that change was necessary,” Agriculture Minister David Carter said. “The reality is, worldwide there is increasing opposition to highly intensive systems of pig farming and New Zealand has a role to play in leading the way."

Sow stalls are to be limited to four weeks after mating in 2012, and prohibited by the end of 2015, Carter said today. The Animal Welfare (Pigs) Code of Welfare 2010 comes into effect on Friday.

The new code makes New Zealand a global leader in phasing out sow stalls, though moves are afoot in the U.S., Canada and in the European Union. Australian will phase out of sow stalls by 2017.

(BusinessDesk)

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