This afternoon, Edinburgh-based animal welfare charity, OneKind, and its supporters took to the streets of Edinburgh to call for a ban on farrowing crates for pigs in Scotland.

The demonstration came after almost 6,000 OneKind supporters have written to the Scottish Government, urging them to phase out these cruel crates. 

The group gathered on Princes Street with a life-sized replica of a farrowing crate and volunteers in pig masks, holding placards to highlight the many welfare issues caused by farrowing crates. 

In the UK, pregnant sows are placed in farrowing crates shortly before giving birth and remain in these restrictive crates for up to 5 weeks or more. The crates are so restrictive that the pig cannot even turn around or move beyond lying down and standing up, and sometimes with difficulty.  

OneKind Campaigner, Eve Massie Bishop, said: 

"Five years ago, we demonstrated for a ban on cages for egg-laying hens and farrowing crates for mother pigs in this very exact spot. 

"The Scottish Government has recently consulted on phasing out cages for egg-laying hens, which is very welcome news. However, despite its commitment in its 2021-2022 Programme for Government to do so, the Government has failed to consult on a phase out of farrowing crates for mother pigs".

On the demonstration itself, Eve commented: 

"People often assume that these cages aren’t in use in Scotland, and sadly that is just not the case. Indeed, many of the passers-by we spoke to today were appalled that these cages are still legal in Scotland.  

"Polling shows that most Scots support an end to farrowing crates. The Scottish Government should make the necessary changes to help farmers transition to cage free systems".  

On the welfare issues caused by farrowing crates, Eve said: 

"Farrowing crates completely strip the mother pig of her ability to carry out natural behaviours or bond with her piglets. All she can do is allow them to suckle through the bars. It is barbaric and deserves no place in a modern Scotland. 

"Farmed animals deserve the same consideration we give our beloved companion animals. How can we call Scotland a Good Food Nation when animals are kept in cages so small they cannot even turn around"? 

Notes to Editor

1. OneKind is a Scottish animal protection charity working to end cruelty to Scotland’s animals.
2. See the referenced polling carried out on behalf of Humane Society International United Kingdom here.
3. Almost 6,000 people have participated in OneKind’s campaign action.
4. Read about our Stand Up for Pigs parliamentary exhibition.