MONTREAL—Humane Society International/Canada welcomes the release of the ground-breaking new pork industry Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Pigs,
which includes a ban on continuously confining pregnant sows in gestation crates.
These cages confine sows so tightly the animals can’t even turn around,
and are standard practice on pig farms throughout North America.
The Code, developed by the National Farm Animal Care Council, requires that facilities built
or renovated after July 1st, 2014 use group housing systems for pregnant sows.
Sayara Thurston, campaign manager with HSI/Canada, stated:
“This is a watershed moment for farm animals in Canada and throughout North America.
It signals the beginning of the end of archaic, extreme confinement systems that consumers
simply don’t support and which other countries have long-since banned. There is still much advancement needed to improve the welfare of pigs raised
on Canadian farms, but this Code of Practice is a monumental first step.”
Gestation crates have come under fire from veterinarians, family farmers, animal welfare advocates,
lawmakers, scientists, consumers and food retailers. Major retailers throughout North America
have taken a stand against this cruel confinement system, with McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s,
Tim Hortons and dozens more all mandating a switch to more humane housing.
Way to go Canada.
