New Jersey bill seeks to ban use of gestation stalls for sows
By Amanda Brodhagen, Farms.com
U.S. hog farmers are urging New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie to veto a bill that would ban the use of gestation stalls for sows. The majority of American hog farmers use gestation stalls for pregnant sows, for animal welfare purposes to ensure individualized care for each animal to mitigate aggression from other sows.
The farm group notes that the veterinarian community recognize the use of gestation stalls and group housing as appropriate ways of housing sows during pregnancy. There is no scientific consensus that suggests that one type of housing is superior.
The legislation has been fiercely advocated by a number of animal rights groups including the Humane Society of the United States (HUSUS). A spokesperson for the National Pork Producers Council Dr. Howard Hill said that the decision about animal well-being should be determined by those who work and care for animals every day. Hill hopes Christie will veto this legislation that would dictate how hog farmers raise their animals.