June 11, 2010

Australian state unilaterally bans sow stalls

Australia's Tasmanian government has turned its back on the national animal welfare process to independently ban the use of sow stalls in that state beginning 2017.

Tasmanian Minister for Primary Industries and Water Minister Bryan Green announced the controversial decision late Thursday (June 10), arguing the move "puts Tasmania ahead of other states in improving the welfare of pigs."

Sow stalls are used to restrict the movement of pregnant sows to stop fighting and aggressive behaviour, but animal welfare groups argue they are inherently cruel.

Australian Pork Ltd (APL) says the decision flies in the face of the agreement made at Primary Industry Ministerial Council (PIMC) in April 2007, which included the then Tasmanian Minister for Primary Industries, to endorse and implement the revised Model Code for Pigs across all states.

The code agreed to limit the use of sow stalls for pregnant sows to a maximum of six weeks or until pregnancy is confirmed. The agreed date that the legislation would take affect was 2017. APL says the code was based on extensive consultation with industry, animal welfare groups, veterinarians, policy makers and the public.

"The decision to ban sow stalls by 2017 and to move to the six-week limit by 2014 has been taken in total isolation with no consultation with the industry. It does nothing to enhance the well being and welfare of Tasmanian pigs and the future for pig farmers in Tasmania. Responsible government does not make decisions like this without first mapping out with industry how it will assist producers make these costly changes. This government has completely deserted Tasmania's pork farmers with no thought to the impact and ramifications on their livelihoods," APL chief executive Andrew Spencer said.

Mr Spencer said the Tasmanian government would need to assist its pork producers to enable to remain financially viable.