MONTHS WITHout MOVEMENT
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Why they're used
Gestation crates are metal grates or cages, often with a bare, slatted floor, which is so narrow that the sow cannot turn around and can only stand up. She can usually lie down with difficulty.
A sow will be kept in this cage when she is pregnant and then in a similar cage (called a farrowing crate) when she is nursing. After she nurses for three weeks, the piglets will be taken away from the sow, (in nature, sows nurse for up to 17 weeks). Then, she will be re-impregnated artificially, and the process will repeat. This will go on for 2-3 years, after which she will be slaughtered for meat.
Sows are pregnant for almost four months before giving birth, and remain enclosed for the pregnancy’s entirety – unable to turn around.
Gestation crates are used because they allow industrial farmers to house thousands of breeding sows in a single facility. It is also easier for them to control how much each sow eats, and prevents the sows from fighting amongst one another.
You can visualize how big they are (14 square feet), here: https://youtu.be/DFetjTgUX5c?t=102),
Here is a video of them made by an organization that is against them: https://youtu.be/Mn8UNItXsxE?t=27
Here is a video of them made by an organization that is in favor of them: https://youtu.be/ghq_LCIgduk
A sow will be kept in this cage when she is pregnant and then in a similar cage (called a farrowing crate) when she is nursing. After she nurses for three weeks, the piglets will be taken away from the sow, (in nature, sows nurse for up to 17 weeks). Then, she will be re-impregnated artificially, and the process will repeat. This will go on for 2-3 years, after which she will be slaughtered for meat.
Sows are pregnant for almost four months before giving birth, and remain enclosed for the pregnancy’s entirety – unable to turn around.
Gestation crates are used because they allow industrial farmers to house thousands of breeding sows in a single facility. It is also easier for them to control how much each sow eats, and prevents the sows from fighting amongst one another.
You can visualize how big they are (14 square feet), here: https://youtu.be/DFetjTgUX5c?t=102),
Here is a video of them made by an organization that is against them: https://youtu.be/Mn8UNItXsxE?t=27
Here is a video of them made by an organization that is in favor of them: https://youtu.be/ghq_LCIgduk
Problems
Sows kept in these conditions – 60-70% of all living sows in the US – experience severe neglect and filth, rarely receiving any care for pain or injuries they incur. A sow in this position is unable to turn around, and being held in the same position constantly, with no end, exhausts her muscles and eats away at her bones. The overall lack of movement leads to muscle loss, overgrown hooves, ruined immune systems, and impaired cardiac function.
“Sows in gestation crates also often develop sores and abrasions from rubbing against the bars that confine her, or foot problems from constantly standing on hard, grated flooring. The constant pressure on the pigs’ skin results in painful lesions.
“Stereotypy describes when an animal engages in repetitive behaviors to cope with stress, including swaying, nodding, or biting on cage bars for an extended period. Animals showcase stereotypic behaviors in environments where they are captive, bored, and stressed out, like factory farms and zoos.
“Pigs, bored and frustrated in their crates, use stereotypic behaviors to cope. But, their coping mechanisms do more harm than good: they bite over and over at the hard metal bars of their crates, and the friction creates painful sores inside their mouths.” (https://thehumaneleague.org/article/pig-gestation-crates)
“Sows in gestation crates also often develop sores and abrasions from rubbing against the bars that confine her, or foot problems from constantly standing on hard, grated flooring. The constant pressure on the pigs’ skin results in painful lesions.
“Stereotypy describes when an animal engages in repetitive behaviors to cope with stress, including swaying, nodding, or biting on cage bars for an extended period. Animals showcase stereotypic behaviors in environments where they are captive, bored, and stressed out, like factory farms and zoos.
“Pigs, bored and frustrated in their crates, use stereotypic behaviors to cope. But, their coping mechanisms do more harm than good: they bite over and over at the hard metal bars of their crates, and the friction creates painful sores inside their mouths.” (https://thehumaneleague.org/article/pig-gestation-crates)
Counter-arguments (and counters to them)
1) They prevent sows from fighting among themselves.
- Counter: Yes, totally isolating a being will prevent it from fighting - or interacting in any physical way - with others. Here, this is "achieved" at the expense of the animals’ mental and physical health. A possible workaround often used to bypass the aggression that occurs between sows is to keep them in pen housing, which segregates groups of sows by age and size, while giving them plenty of space to move and interact with each other. Pen housing also solves the issues of feed measurement and water competition between sows.
2) Industrial farms can put thousands of breeding sows inside of a single shed, and they can use less personnel to manage the animals.
- Counter: This is true, but – similar to the case for battery cages and chickens – people will pay more for humanely raised meat that comes from a healthier animal, which is also healthier to eat.
3) Gestation crates can mitigate danger of sows harming farmers.
Counter: Though domesticated pigs are generally not dangerous, a sow can be protective around her piglets. However, EZ Animal Rights works incrementally, and is not currently advocating for laws that require free-range; instead, EZ Animal Rights is currently advocating for more space, which would not affect the above issue either way.
4) There are no viable alternatives to the cruelty of crate confinement, since it is the only way to achieve enough density to make money.
Counter: "Instead of confining sows to individual cages, some farms opt for group housing—one of the most common alternatives to gestation crates. In group housing, animals have the freedom to move around and socialize with other pigs, free from the confines of an individual crate.
"Although preferable to the agony of crate confinement, pigs still suffer in group housing..."
(https://thehumaneleague.org/article/pig-gestation-crates)
- Counter: Yes, totally isolating a being will prevent it from fighting - or interacting in any physical way - with others. Here, this is "achieved" at the expense of the animals’ mental and physical health. A possible workaround often used to bypass the aggression that occurs between sows is to keep them in pen housing, which segregates groups of sows by age and size, while giving them plenty of space to move and interact with each other. Pen housing also solves the issues of feed measurement and water competition between sows.
2) Industrial farms can put thousands of breeding sows inside of a single shed, and they can use less personnel to manage the animals.
- Counter: This is true, but – similar to the case for battery cages and chickens – people will pay more for humanely raised meat that comes from a healthier animal, which is also healthier to eat.
3) Gestation crates can mitigate danger of sows harming farmers.
Counter: Though domesticated pigs are generally not dangerous, a sow can be protective around her piglets. However, EZ Animal Rights works incrementally, and is not currently advocating for laws that require free-range; instead, EZ Animal Rights is currently advocating for more space, which would not affect the above issue either way.
4) There are no viable alternatives to the cruelty of crate confinement, since it is the only way to achieve enough density to make money.
Counter: "Instead of confining sows to individual cages, some farms opt for group housing—one of the most common alternatives to gestation crates. In group housing, animals have the freedom to move around and socialize with other pigs, free from the confines of an individual crate.
"Although preferable to the agony of crate confinement, pigs still suffer in group housing..."
(https://thehumaneleague.org/article/pig-gestation-crates)
Legislation examples
Areas bolded below are indicated by EZAR to be preferable, and have been included in our state law templates.
Much of the information below was sourced from the ASPCA, here.
In 2006 Arizona passed a ballot measure phasing out gestation crates and veal crates by 2012.
In 2008 California passed a ballot measure phasing out battery cages, gestation crates and veal crates by 2015. In 2018 California passed another ballot measure, expanding their in-state sales ban to also include pork products produced with gestation crates by 2022.
In 2002 Florida passed a ballot measure phasing out gestation crates by 2008.
In 2009 Maine passed legislation phasing out gestation crates and veal crates by 2011.
In 2016 Massachusetts passed a ballot measure banning the use of battery cages, gestation crates and veal crates as well as banning the in-state sale of products from any of these confinement systems by 2022.
In 2009 Michigan passed legislation phasing out gestation crates by 2019.
In 2010 Ohio passed regulations phasing out gestation crates by 2026.
In 2007 Oregon passed legislation phasing out gestation crates by 2012.
In 2012 Rhode Island passed legislation phasing out gestation crates by 2013.
Much of the information below was sourced from the ASPCA, here.
In 2006 Arizona passed a ballot measure phasing out gestation crates and veal crates by 2012.
In 2008 California passed a ballot measure phasing out battery cages, gestation crates and veal crates by 2015. In 2018 California passed another ballot measure, expanding their in-state sales ban to also include pork products produced with gestation crates by 2022.
In 2002 Florida passed a ballot measure phasing out gestation crates by 2008.
In 2009 Maine passed legislation phasing out gestation crates and veal crates by 2011.
In 2016 Massachusetts passed a ballot measure banning the use of battery cages, gestation crates and veal crates as well as banning the in-state sale of products from any of these confinement systems by 2022.
In 2009 Michigan passed legislation phasing out gestation crates by 2019.
In 2010 Ohio passed regulations phasing out gestation crates by 2026.
In 2007 Oregon passed legislation phasing out gestation crates by 2012.
In 2012 Rhode Island passed legislation phasing out gestation crates by 2013.
State law template
State law template
Caveat: each state has different laws and different requirements for passing laws. These are the bare bones, which we will reform for each individual state, as we push for these laws to be implemented in each one.
Sec. 1. Title
This measure shall be known as the [Humane Treatment of Pigs Act]
Sec. 2:
CRUEL AND INHUMANE CONFINEMENT OF A PIG DURING PREGNANCY
A. NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER PROVISION OF TITLE 3 OR TITLE 13, A PERSON SHALL NOT TETHER OR CONFINE ANY PIG DURING PREGNANCY ON A FARM, FOR ALL OR THE MAJORITY OF ANY DAY, IN A MANNER THAT PREVENTS SUCH ANIMAL FROM:
1. LYING DOWN AND FULLY EXTENDING HIS OR HER LIMBS; OR
2. TURNING AROUND FREELY.
B. THIS SECTION SHALL NOT APPLY TO:
1. PIGS OR CALVES DURING TRANSPORTATION.
2. PIGS OR CALVES IN RODEO EXHIBITIONS, STATE OR COUNTY FAIR EXHIBITIONS, OR OTHER SIMILAR EXHIBITIONS.
3. THE KILLING OF PIGS
4. PIGS INVOLVED IN LAWFUL SCIENTIFIC OR AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH.
5. PIGS WHILE UNDERGOING AN EXAMINATION, TEST, TREATMENT OR OPERATION FOR VETERINARY PURPOSES.
6. A PIG DURING THE SEVEN DAY PERIOD PRIOR TO THE PIG'S EXPECTED DATE OF GIVING BIRTH.
C. A PERSON WHO VIOLATES THIS SECTIONS IS GUILTY OF A CLASS 1 MISDEMEANOR.
D. THE FOLLOWING DEFINITIONS SHALL GOVERN THIS SECTION:
1. "FARM" MEANS THE LAND, BUILDING, SUPPORT FACILITIES, AND OTHER EQUIPMENT THAT IS WHOLLY OR PARTIALLY USED FOR THE PRODUCTION OF ANIMALS FOR FOOD OR FIBER.
2. "PIG" MEANS ANY ANIMAL OF THE PORCINE SPECIES.
5. "TURNING AROUND FREELY" MEANS HAVING THE ABILITY TO TURN AROUND IN A COMPLETE CIRCLE WITHOUT ANY IMPEDIMENT, INCLUDING A TETHER, OR, IN THE CASE OF AN ENCLOSURE (INCLUDING WHAT IS COMMONLY DESCRIBED AS A "GESTATION CRATE" FOR PIGS) WITHOUT TOUCHING ANY SIDE OF THE ENCLOSURE.
Sec. 3: A business owner or operator shall not knowingly engage in the sale within the state of any of the following:
(1) Whole pork meat that the business owner or operator knows or should know is the meat of a covered animal who was confined in a cruel manner as described above, or is the meat of immediate offspring of a covered animal who was confined in a cruel manner.
Sec. 4. Effective Date
This initiative measure shall take effect [date].
Sec. 5: Severability clause:
If any provision of this chapter or the application thereof to any person or circumstances, is held invalid or unconstitutional, that invalidity or unconstitutionality shall not affect other provisions or applications of this chapter that can be given effect without the invalid or unconstitutional provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this chapter are declared to be severable.
Sec. 6 (optional): Conditional Funding Source:
THE HUMANE TREATMENT OF FARM ANIMALS FUND THE "HUMANE TREATMENT OF FARM ANIMALS FUND" IS HEREBY ESTABLISHED TO BE ADMINISTERED BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL UNDER THE CONDITIONS AND FOR THE PURPOSES PROVIDED BY THIS SECTION. UPON RECEIPT, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL SHALL DEPOSIT IN THE FUND ANY MONIES RECEIVED FOR THE STATE AS A RESULT OF ENFORCEMENT OF THE HUMANE TREATMENT OF FARM ANIMALS ACT AND ANY MONIES RECEIVED BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL AS A MONEY DONATION TO THE FUND FROM ANY PUBLIC OR PRIVATE GROUP, SOCIETY, ASSOCIATION OR INDIVIDUAL. THE MONIES IN THE FUND SHALL BE USED ONLY FOR MANDATORY EXPENDITURES, IF ANY, REQUIRED BY THE HUMANE TREATMENT OF FARM ANIMALS ACT AND ADMINISTRATION OF THE FUND. MONIES IN THE FUND ARE NOT SUBJECT TO LEGISLATIVE APPROPRIATION. THE FUND IS EXEMPT FROM STATUTORY PROVISIONS RELATING TO LAPSING OF APPROPRIATIONS AND SHALL NOT REVERT TO THE GENERAL FUND.
Sec. 7:
(d) A person who violates this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. ###, [State] Statutes (year), as amended, or by a fine of not more than $[dollar amount], or by both imprisonment and a fine, unless and until the legislature enacts more stringent penalties for violations hereof. On and after the effective date of this section, law enforcement officers in the state are authorized to enforce the provisions of this section in the same manner and authority as if a violation of this section constituted a violation of Section ###, [State] Statutes (year). The confinement or tethering of each pig shall constitute a separate offense. The knowledge or acts of agents and employees of a person in regard to a pig owned, farmed or in the custody of a person, shall be held to be the knowledge or act of such person.
Sec. 8: Effective date:
This section shall take effect [time duration] after approval by the electors.
Sec. 1. Title
This measure shall be known as the [Humane Treatment of Pigs Act]
Sec. 2:
CRUEL AND INHUMANE CONFINEMENT OF A PIG DURING PREGNANCY
A. NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER PROVISION OF TITLE 3 OR TITLE 13, A PERSON SHALL NOT TETHER OR CONFINE ANY PIG DURING PREGNANCY ON A FARM, FOR ALL OR THE MAJORITY OF ANY DAY, IN A MANNER THAT PREVENTS SUCH ANIMAL FROM:
1. LYING DOWN AND FULLY EXTENDING HIS OR HER LIMBS; OR
2. TURNING AROUND FREELY.
B. THIS SECTION SHALL NOT APPLY TO:
1. PIGS OR CALVES DURING TRANSPORTATION.
2. PIGS OR CALVES IN RODEO EXHIBITIONS, STATE OR COUNTY FAIR EXHIBITIONS, OR OTHER SIMILAR EXHIBITIONS.
3. THE KILLING OF PIGS
4. PIGS INVOLVED IN LAWFUL SCIENTIFIC OR AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH.
5. PIGS WHILE UNDERGOING AN EXAMINATION, TEST, TREATMENT OR OPERATION FOR VETERINARY PURPOSES.
6. A PIG DURING THE SEVEN DAY PERIOD PRIOR TO THE PIG'S EXPECTED DATE OF GIVING BIRTH.
C. A PERSON WHO VIOLATES THIS SECTIONS IS GUILTY OF A CLASS 1 MISDEMEANOR.
D. THE FOLLOWING DEFINITIONS SHALL GOVERN THIS SECTION:
1. "FARM" MEANS THE LAND, BUILDING, SUPPORT FACILITIES, AND OTHER EQUIPMENT THAT IS WHOLLY OR PARTIALLY USED FOR THE PRODUCTION OF ANIMALS FOR FOOD OR FIBER.
2. "PIG" MEANS ANY ANIMAL OF THE PORCINE SPECIES.
5. "TURNING AROUND FREELY" MEANS HAVING THE ABILITY TO TURN AROUND IN A COMPLETE CIRCLE WITHOUT ANY IMPEDIMENT, INCLUDING A TETHER, OR, IN THE CASE OF AN ENCLOSURE (INCLUDING WHAT IS COMMONLY DESCRIBED AS A "GESTATION CRATE" FOR PIGS) WITHOUT TOUCHING ANY SIDE OF THE ENCLOSURE.
Sec. 3: A business owner or operator shall not knowingly engage in the sale within the state of any of the following:
(1) Whole pork meat that the business owner or operator knows or should know is the meat of a covered animal who was confined in a cruel manner as described above, or is the meat of immediate offspring of a covered animal who was confined in a cruel manner.
Sec. 4. Effective Date
This initiative measure shall take effect [date].
Sec. 5: Severability clause:
If any provision of this chapter or the application thereof to any person or circumstances, is held invalid or unconstitutional, that invalidity or unconstitutionality shall not affect other provisions or applications of this chapter that can be given effect without the invalid or unconstitutional provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this chapter are declared to be severable.
Sec. 6 (optional): Conditional Funding Source:
THE HUMANE TREATMENT OF FARM ANIMALS FUND THE "HUMANE TREATMENT OF FARM ANIMALS FUND" IS HEREBY ESTABLISHED TO BE ADMINISTERED BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL UNDER THE CONDITIONS AND FOR THE PURPOSES PROVIDED BY THIS SECTION. UPON RECEIPT, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL SHALL DEPOSIT IN THE FUND ANY MONIES RECEIVED FOR THE STATE AS A RESULT OF ENFORCEMENT OF THE HUMANE TREATMENT OF FARM ANIMALS ACT AND ANY MONIES RECEIVED BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL AS A MONEY DONATION TO THE FUND FROM ANY PUBLIC OR PRIVATE GROUP, SOCIETY, ASSOCIATION OR INDIVIDUAL. THE MONIES IN THE FUND SHALL BE USED ONLY FOR MANDATORY EXPENDITURES, IF ANY, REQUIRED BY THE HUMANE TREATMENT OF FARM ANIMALS ACT AND ADMINISTRATION OF THE FUND. MONIES IN THE FUND ARE NOT SUBJECT TO LEGISLATIVE APPROPRIATION. THE FUND IS EXEMPT FROM STATUTORY PROVISIONS RELATING TO LAPSING OF APPROPRIATIONS AND SHALL NOT REVERT TO THE GENERAL FUND.
Sec. 7:
(d) A person who violates this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. ###, [State] Statutes (year), as amended, or by a fine of not more than $[dollar amount], or by both imprisonment and a fine, unless and until the legislature enacts more stringent penalties for violations hereof. On and after the effective date of this section, law enforcement officers in the state are authorized to enforce the provisions of this section in the same manner and authority as if a violation of this section constituted a violation of Section ###, [State] Statutes (year). The confinement or tethering of each pig shall constitute a separate offense. The knowledge or acts of agents and employees of a person in regard to a pig owned, farmed or in the custody of a person, shall be held to be the knowledge or act of such person.
Sec. 8: Effective date:
This section shall take effect [time duration] after approval by the electors.
Further goals for pigs after this is accomplished
- mandatory time outside with sunlight
- mandatory social time for pigs
- mandatory anesthesia for tail docking and teeth clipping
- mandatory social time for pigs
- mandatory anesthesia for tail docking and teeth clipping