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Smithfield Foods, Inc. decision on gestation crates
Smithfield, the U.S.’s largest producer of pigs announced it will phase out gestation crates by 2017; that is the 2-by-7-foot metal crates used to house pregnant sows till their babies are born. Farms that Smithfield contracts with will be required to phase them out by 2027.
The company explained that the reason for that extended time period has to do with the lack of strategy and answers they are facing today, and to the fact that they would like the price market to not go up dramatically.
The decision was largely affected by the pressure animal advocate groups put on the company and by customers such as Wal-Mart and Mc. Donald’s. Even though The National Pork Producers Council still maintains that gestation stalls are appropriate. On the other hand Larry Pope, chief executive of the Smithfield-based company, believes that providing pigs with a friendlier-type of housing is the right thing to do.
To read the full article please visit http://www.centredaily.com/mld/centredaily/
business/16545015.htmThere is no doubt that gestation crates are the result of trying to maximize profit and minimize cost without any regard to the lives of the pigs. While phasing out gestational crates by 2017 is a positive step towards a less abusive housing, it is a pity that millions of sows will continue to suffer the stress, fear and confinement for 10 more years.
Supporting the pork industry is supporting unimaginable pain and suffering; while adopting a plant-based diet is a powerful statement of compassion and justice.
Also see: Following Smithfoods steps
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