Helpful facts to help defend pigs

• Sows confined in sow stalls cannot perform most of their natural behaviour, as is required under the Animal Welfare Act 1999. They cannot walk or turn around, and can only sit down or stand up.

• During a review of the pig welfare code in the early 2000s the government received over 60,000 public submissions calling for a ban on the use of sow stalls.

• A Colmar Brunton opinion poll commissioned by the RNZSPCA in late 2001 found that 86 pre cent of those surveyed believed the use of sow stalls was unacceptable.

• Sow stalls have been banned in the United Kingdom and Sweden and are being phased out in Finland, Switzerland, the Netherlands and Denmark.

• The government acknowledged in 2005? that sow stalls did not meet the obligations of the Animal Welfare Act 1999, but despite this they did not ban their use.

• The ‘phase out' of sow stalls planned from 2015 is in reality only a reduction in their use to four weeks per pregnancy. When this is combined with the six weeks sows spend confined in farrowing crates, sows will still legally be able to be severely confined for almost half their lives.

• Approximately 45% of the sows farmed in New Zealand (about 21,000 animals) are confined to sow stalls the same size as those seen on the Sunday programme.

• Only 29% of pig farmers use sow stalls. Most New Zealand pig farmers have been successfully using alternatives for many years.

• There is considerable scientific evidence that pigs kept in intensive farms suffer from depression, psychological distress, frustration, lung and heart disease, leg problems and lameness, and display stereotypic behaviour such as bar biting.

Factsheet on pigs

Click here to view SAFE's information sheet all about pig welfare in New Zealand.

Frequently asked questions

Being a great advocate for pigs means you need to know your stuff!
Here are some commonly asked questions that will help you speak out for pigs.

Do the pigs really suffer?

Confined pigs can suffer from boredom, apathy and depression. They are also prone to lameness and painful chronic joint disorders as well as heart, lung, urinary and digestive diseases. Sow stalls cause severe stress resulting in unnatural behaviours such as head weaving and bar biting.

Is factory farming really that bad?

Factory farming is particularly cruel as pigs are highly intelligent and social animals. Pigs need continual stimulation, social interaction and lots of open space. Factory farming deprives pigs of their most basic needs: fresh air, sunlight, mud baths, clean water, soft bedding and fresh food. Pigs are regarded much like cars - units there to make a profit. There is little room for compassion on the factory farm.

What are the alternatives to factory farming?

Group housing and free-range farming offer a better quality of life for pigs and improve their welfare. Free-range farms offer pigs a better life but they are not pig sanctuaries. Free-range pigs are still killed for their meat. For those who oppose the killing of animals choosing a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle is the best way to save animals.

Farming pigs outside is too expensive?

Many pig farmers already farm their sows outside and they sell their products at the same price as intensive farmers. Meat from outdoor-farmed fattening pigs is around 20 per cent more expensive. A small price to pay for a much better quality of life.

Don’t outdoor pigs suffer greater welfare problems?

Outdoor farmed pigs enjoy a much happier and healthier life than indoor farmed pigs. Any welfare problems that arise are usually caused by poor management and can largely be avoided through better education and training of pig farmers.

Did you know. . .

Pigs love eating berries, nuts, cabbages, roots and insects.

Pigs are among the most intelligent species akin to humans, primates, dolphins and whales.

Pigs are quick learners and have an acute sense of smell. They have even been used by police departments to sniff out drugs!

Pigs can recognise up to 20-30 other pigs and often form friendships, greeting each other with grunting and nose-to-nose contact.

Squeal like a pig! The sound of a frightened pig can measure 115 decibels. A jet engine taking off measures 113 decibels!