[Greens-Media] Greens MLC says new pig code a backward step for animal welfare

[Sue.Pennicuik at parliament.vic.gov.au]

Greens MLC says new pig code a backward step for animal welfare

20 September 2007

Greens MLC Sue Pennicuik told state parliament today that Victoria is
failing to meet community expectations for animal welfare, falling
behind the UK, USA, Canada, and New Zealand, who are moving away from
factory farming methods towards more humane free range methods.

"The new Code of Practice for the Welfare of Pigs is another lost
opportunity to move Victoria away from cruel and unnecessary factory
farming practices that cause pain, suffering, discomfort and loss of
dignity to animals by denying them their basic needs, towards more
humane systems of animal husbandry that are being introduced in other
places," she said.

"The Code permits the keeping of sows in metal stalls for the entire
duration of their pregnancies (about 16 weeks) for the next 10 years and
the keeping of sows with piglets in 'farrowing crates' not much bigger
than the sow's body," she said.  "This cruel practice is being phased
out in other parts of the world."

Other cruel farming practices which will continue to be permitted in the
new Code include:
 -  The lack of any requirement for bedding or nesting material for sows,
    or manipulable materials for these curious and intelligent animals;
 -  No requirement for fibrous food for pregnant sows such that their
    'hunger' is chronic;
 -  The tail-docking of piglets without any pain relief;
 -  The teeth-clipping of piglets without any pain relief;
 -  The castration of male piglets without any pain relief.

"This Code should be rejected and an independent scientific review of
pig housing and husbandry procedures should be conducted to allow
production of a code which properly reflects modern scientific views and
community attitudes to animal welfare," she said.

In Victoria, compliance with such industry Codes of Practice allows
farmers to be exempted from the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.

Further information: Sue Pennicuik 0407 000 270