May 19, 2008

Colorado becomes the fourth US state to ban gestation crates

The US state of Colorado has become the fourth state to ban gestation crates for sows.

Governor Bill Ritter of Colorado has signed legislation phasing out the use of sow stalls within ten years.

Colorado's move comes after Florida, Arizona and Oregon have legislated rules to ban the crates. Discussions about banning have been going on in other US states like California and Maryland as well.

The legislation will also phase out the use of veal crates within four years.

Animal welfare groups have been pressing for gestation crates, which severely restrict sow movement, to be banned from use in the industry.