Change Proposed to Welfare Code for Pregnant Sows

SOUTH AFRICA - The South African Pork Producers' Organisation (SAPPO) is in continual discussions with the NSPCA in regard to phasing out gestation crates and other aspects of SAPPO's Welfare code.
calendar icon 8 February 2011
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Tethers are no longer used in South Africa as they were banned in 2000, according to SAPPO.

The following time frames are being discussed for the phasing out of gestation crates: as of 1 January 2020, pregnant sows may only be kept in gestation crates for a maximum of 63 days. Sows housed out of crates may be housed in groups, or in individual pens as long as space provided allows sows to turn around easily.

SAPPO adds that South African farmers should not be disadvantaged by the significant investment costs to adopt new welfare standards. Therefore, realistic time frames to change housing systems, and to educate the consumer that locally produced pork is produced under similar if not better welfare standards compared to other countries.

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