Massachusetts Lawmakers Kill Bill to Ban Gestation Crates

A bill to ban gestation crates, an intensive form of confinement for breeding pigs, did not pass Massachusetts.  In the National Hog Farmer, hog farmer Lisa Colby declared a victory for “the rights of local farmers,” stating “Massachusetts family farmers are relieved the legislature had the good sense not to waste time debating a law prohibiting farmers’ choices in taking care of their animals.”

Gestation Crates

Agribusiness owners, who describe themselves as “farmers” to garner public support, justify the use of extraordinarily cruel gestation crates for sows by claiming that they “allow for individualized care and eliminate aggression from other sows.”  This is the ultimate in hogwash.  “Individualized care?”  Sows locked in gestation crates are among the most abused animals on the planet.  “Eliminate aggression from other sows?” The sows are so stressed and traumatized by their inability to so much as turn around that they go insane, chewing on the metal bars that imprison them. Farm Sanctuary and other advocacy groups are supporting legislation at the state level to ban gestation crates.   Please see how you can help.