Three Little Pigs Come To Wellington

Three Little Pigs will be in Wellington on Thursday encouraging the public to demand an immediate end to the severe confinement of pigs in crates.

Anti Factory Farming group, Campaign Against Factory Farming(CAFF), including three costumed pigs, will be asking the public to sign submission forms to be sent to Prime Minister John Key, in response to the recent release of the Draft Code of Welfare for Pigs.

CAFF spokesperson Debra Ashton says while the group welcomes the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee's proposal to eventually phase out sow stalls, it will not happen straight away, meaning that around 20,000 pigs will still be confined until NAWAC is satisfied with an alternative..

“There is also no mention of banning farrowing crates in the draft code, which are just as cruel. This means that a mother won't be able to look after her newborn piglets, the way she would naturally and this is a breach of the Animal Welfare Act 1999.

“It's our experience that once New Zealander's become aware of intensive farming practises, they are most likely to support a ban and look for alternatives.”

Ms Ashton says it is scientifically recognised that these intelligent animals suffer a number of health issues in intensive pig farms, including depression, psychcological distress, frustration as well as lung and heart disease, leg problems and lameness along with stereotypic behaviour such as bar biting.

The event will take place at Midland Park in Lambton Quay at lunchtime from 11.30am – 2pm with Wellington band The Pitts providing entertainment from 12-1pm.

This is one of many events taking place in Wellington and around the country over the next two weeks before closing of submissions on April 16.

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