The new Animal Welfare (Pigs) Code of Welfare 2010 limits the use of dry sow stalls to four weeks after mating from December 2012, and prohibits their use after mating from December 2015.
“The growing unease of many New Zealanders about the use of sow stalls, which I share, made it clear that change was necessary. The science also supports this,” says Agriculture Minister David Carter.
“The reality is, worldwide there is increasing opposition to highly intensive systems of pig farming and New Zealand has a role to play in leading the way.”
Dry sow stalls are currently in use in most countries, including USA, Canada and most of the European Union.
Other significant areas addressed in the code include stockmanship; the provisions of food and water; shelter, disease and injury control, and welfare assurance systems.
New Zealand Pork put out a statement today saying it supports the move to ban sow stalls.
“We recognise that this issue is no longer just a scientific argument of whether or not gestation stalls are better for sow welfare.
“Consumers prefer gestation stalls are not used – we have listened and we are making a change and removing them.”
In its message to stakeholders it said, “You will be aware, we have not had an easy run in recent times and we therefore also welcome your support for our position.”
New Zealand Pork will be “actively looking to the government for full support and possible concessions for farmers on this initiative given the significance of the cost.”
Read the new Code here.