Some hog farmers think it’s worth their while to move into open housing for gestating sows.
Others think there’s no point.
The difference tends to be based on how farmers assess concerns about gestation crates, which were first raised by animal welfare activists and are now shared by a substantial portion of the public.
Optimists think addressing the concerns will appease activists and remove an issue that is bothering consumers.
Pessimists think the activists will simply switch to another issue if gestation crates are eliminated because the ultimate goal is to eliminate all livestock production.
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Sayara Thurston of the Canadian chapter of Humane Society International, one of the leading campaigners against gestation stalls, said the deeply antagonistic relationship between farmers and activists would change significantly if gestation crates were eliminated.
Thurston also said the change wouldn’t destabilize the industry.
“There is broad support amongst industry stakeholders for a move away from these outdated housing systems, a move which is supported by both sound science and by economic analysis, taking into account both costs of production and evolving consumer expectations,” Thurston said in an email.
“This circumstance presents a true opportunity for animal welfare organizations and farmers to come together to facilitate positive change for animals and for the industry.
HSI-Canada believes that working together is going to achieve this, and other changes much faster and we look forward to continuing to engage with all stakeholders on this, and on other animal welfare issues.
By building collaborative, constructive relationships, we can always find ways to work together and move towards ways of farming that are better for farmers and animals alike.”
