New Zealand pig welfare code being challenged

A recommendation that pigs be kept in stalls and crates for no more than four weeks after mating or farrowing is a cop out, according to New Zealand's Green Party.

 

The four week maximum is being suggested by the Animal Welfare Advisory Committee in its draft code of welfare for pigs.

 

Sue Kedgley from Green Party is questioning why four weeks is a suitable time to keep a sow in a cage. She also asks who would be monitoring to make sure the time frame is adhered to.

 

In the meantime the four week maximum suggestion looks likely to come into effect in 2013.

 

Chairman of the Animal Welfare Advisory Committee, John Hellstrom, said the dilemma is if they push too hard, the industry will not be able to cope with the economic impact of the change.

 

He said that could see New Zealand substituting local pork for imported pork.

 

Hellstrom said they do not want to export a welfare problem off-shore.

 

Mike King, the promoter for the Pork Industry Board - turned campaigner for the welfare of pigs, said the code is designed to please the pork industry

 

He is disputing the claim from Animal Welfare Advisory Committee Chairman John Hellstrom that pigs during pregnancy can be aggressive and inflict severe injuries on each other if they are not separated.

 

King said Hellstrom should explore the separation methods that free range farmers are using, because that practice seems to be going very well without the use of sow crates.