Gestation Crates

“Gestation crates” are miserably uncomfortable concrete-floored stalls so small that pigs inside them can’t even turn around. Although the scientific evidence condemning them as physically and mentally torturous for mother pigs is overwhelming and uncontested among scientists and veterinarians with animal welfare as their primary concern, the AVMA continues to support them. Sows in crates are forced into a constant cycle of pregnancy and birth and are never allowed to breathe fresh air, feel the sunshine on their backs, or know a moment’s joy or contentment.

In addition to torturing these intelligent animals into complete psychosis, the crates cause the sows’ bones and muscles to atrophy, and the pigs develop painful sores and lesions. Most of them are lame and very sick by the time they’re slaughtered. According to industry reports, more than 400,000 are crippled by the time they arrive at the slaughterhouse.

Clearly the AVMA would not remain silent were dogs so horribly abused, but pigs are smarter than dogs and just as sensitive and worthy of the AVMA’s concern. Unfortunately, pigs have anti-animal representatives in positions of power at the AVMA. The veterinarian who proposed the endorsement for gestation crates, Dr. David Madsen, is the AVMA delegate from the American Association of Swine Veterinarians, and he actually admitted in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association that the resolution was a response to animal rights groups’ objections to the use of gestation stalls.

Read PETA’s in-depth review of the science regarding gestation crates and sow welfare.