84% of Scots Support the Phasing Out of Farrowing Crates for Mother Pigs

A recent poll conducted by The Diffley Partnership for Humane World for Animals UK revealed that 84% of Scots are against the use of farrowing crates for mother pigs. The majority of respondents, 58%, called for an immediate ban on these crates, while 26% supported phasing them out within five years. Younger Scots, aged 16 to 34, showed strong support for the ban, with 88% in favor.

Farrowing crates confine mother pigs for up to five weeks during the birthing period, causing immense physical and psychological distress as the animals cannot even turn around. Despite the Scottish Government's promise to consult on phasing out these crates in 2021, action has yet to be taken. The results of the poll were shared at a Scottish Parliament event, where politicians discussed the urgent need to ban these cages for the welfare of the animals.