Following Smithfoods steps - Take Heart - Christian Vegetarian Association

Following Smithfoods steps

Canadian’s largest pig producer, Maple Leaf Foods Inc., announced on January 31st it will gradually phase out sow gestation stalls over the next 10 years. Some skepticism came from Florian Possberg, vice-president of the Canadian Pork Council, and a large-scale hog farmer who stated, “If we're doing something for the perception of the general public, rather than the benefit of the animals and, quite frankly, the profitability of our business, that's tough to do."

However, animal advocates and caring consumers agree that gestation crates as cruel, abusive and to no benefit to the animals, regardless of what the pig industry claims. Possberg also said that the decision sets the bar for the industry. Hopefully, as a result, other Canadian companies may have no choice but to bow to public pressure.

To read the full article please visit http://www.canada.com/saskatoonstarphoenix/news/
business/story.html?id=dff218dc-2667-4996-8392-dbfde43c13d6&k=19450

Also see: Smithfield Foods, Inc. decision on gestation crates