- A British pig farmer has urged the government to ban farrowing crates, describing them as “barbaric.” The farmer highlights the severe stress and physical harm these metal cages cause to mother pigs, particularly first-time mothers who often try to escape due to extreme discomfort.
- The farmer argues that farrowing crates fail to protect piglets and instead increase the risk of injury. They advocate for alternative, free-farrowing systems and call for greater awareness among retailers, consumers, and government support to transition to more humane practices.
- Claire Bass from Humane Society International/UK supports the farmer’s call for reform, emphasizing the suffering of approximately 200,000 mother pigs in the UK. HSI/UK urges governments and retailers to commit to financially supporting farmers to eliminate these cruel cages.
UK Pig Farmer Calls for Ban on Farrowing Crates, Advocates for Animal Welfare
In a bold and emotional appeal, a British pig farmer has broken ranks with the industry to highlight the severe suffering of mother pigs confined in farrowing crates. Describing these metal cages as “barbaric,” the farmer has urged the government to support the transition away from their use, citing the emotional and physical toll on the animals.
The Harrowing Reality of Farrowing Crates
Farrowing crates are designed to prevent sows from turning around, supposedly to protect piglets from being crushed. However, the farmer paints a distressing picture of the reality faced by these animals. First-time mothers often attempt to escape the crates, displaying signs of extreme stress and fear. Over time, this confinement leads to emotional breakdowns and physical injuries.
“When they first go into a farrowing crate, it’s very, very stressful and scary for them. Our first-time mothers sometimes try to escape the crates, to literally climb out […] it’s hard watching them so upset. It bothers me every day,” the farmer explained in an interview with Humane Society International/UK (HSI/UK).
As pigs have been selectively bred to be larger over the past two decades, the crates have not been adjusted to accommodate their increased size. This mismatch leads to severe discomfort, with some sows unable to lay their heads comfortably, often resting them on their feed troughs. Larger sows also face higher risks of abrasions and pressure sores due to constant contact with the bars and prolonged periods of immobility.
A Call for Change
The farmer’s experiences and observations challenge the justification for farrowing crates. They argue that these devices not only fail to protect piglets but may actually increase the risk of injury. The discomfort and difficulty in changing positions make sows reluctant or unable to get up if they inadvertently lay on a piglet.
“We have a few sows that are too big for the crates, so they’re essentially touching the bars all the time. For some of the longer sows, there’s no room for their head, so when they lie down, their head is on top of their feed trough. That must be so uncomfortable for them stuck in that position for four weeks, it actually makes me wince,” the farmer shared.
The farmer emphasizes that alternative, free-farrowing systems exist and could replace these outdated methods. They call for greater awareness among retailers and consumers about the realities of farrowing crates and for government support to help farmers transition to more humane practices.
“I really hope that we move on from this sort of barbaric cage. It doesn’t have to be this way, there are loads of different kinds of free farrowing systems but why aren’t retailers and consumers asking for them? It feels like they don’t know the reality of what’s going on behind farm gates. We’ve got to have support from governments – both the money and the right policies. I don’t think putting sows through weeks of crate confinement six, seven or eight times in their lives can be justified anymore.”
Advocacy and Support
Claire Bass, senior director of campaigns and public affairs at HSI/UK, echoed the farmer’s sentiments, stressing the urgent need for reform. She highlighted the immense suffering of approximately 200,000 mother pigs confined in crates across the UK and the psychological impact on farmers who must care for these distressed animals.
“The farmer’s account of the suffering caused by crates is heartbreaking and describes animals who have been pushed to biological extremes and now literally don’t even fit in these crates, which were designed decades ago. Their comments also reflect that dealing with distressed and depressed animals of course takes its toll on farmers’ mental health. We’re urging all governments in the UK, as well as retailers, to commit to supporting farmers financially to get rid of these cruel and unnecessary cages for mother pigs.”
A New Beginning for Rescued Pigs
The two sows rehomed by the farmer have been taken in by Hopefield Animal Sanctuary in Brentwood, Essex. There, they will experience freedom and the opportunity to engage in natural behaviors, such as rooting in the mud and stretching out on the grass—luxuries denied to them during their time in farrowing crates.
Take Action
HSI/UK is calling on all political parties to commit to banning farrowing crates and to support farmers in adopting more humane practices. To support this cause, you can sign the petition at HSI/UK’s petition page.
The farmer’s courageous testimony sheds light on the hidden suffering within the pig farming industry and underscores the urgent need for change. By advocating for the welfare of these intelligent and sensitive animals, the farmer hopes to inspire a movement towards more ethical and sustainable farming practices in the UK.
