Pig Gestation Cages Should Be illegal

This article is a collaborative effort by Jacki Flanigan from 
Walkwiththepack.org & Martin O'Sullivan from The Marty O Radio Show, 
and The Conservative Patriot...

     There are people in this world that are downright evil toward animals. We have all seen the horrific pictures of these crimes and abuses on the news and television commercials. It is easy to get upset, angry, and cry at such cruelty. We wonder how people could even do such heartbreaking deeds. However there is another type of cruelty to animals. In many cases it goes under the radar in our society. These exhibitioners are not the definition of animals abusers that we think. No, their abuse to animals is more of a denial of any wrong doing, not purposeful intent. To them it is simply business as usual. So ignorant to their cruelty they in fact view it as entertainment. Many of us at State Fairs even bring children to these events. Desensitizing them to the torment that the animals experience to the point that the children think it normal; Ah yes, all while eating hot dogs, cotton candy with loud music in the background, and an atmosphere of the grand State Fair. 

The American State Fair is a wonderful way for a family to spend a day. Yet, at these events we witness Pig Gestation spectacles. Many of you reading this may not know what these are. To some it may sound innocent enough, but do understand that to these animals and informed people it is truly abuse. Our society is coming around to the realization that Elephants in circuses is abusive. We are learning, and legislating that Puppy Mills are an atrocity to a civilized society all in favor of rescue organizations. More and more eggs are being sold in food stores from “cage free” hens. Our society should also evolve concerning Pig Gestation shows. We as "humans" certainly are capable of being more "Humane" than we are toward these animal exploitations. "The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated." - Gandhi

Allow me to walk you through a Pig Gestation exhibit. As a crowd of people (Adults and children) gather around what is called a Pig Gestation Crate. They witness a mother pig (Sow) in a very small metal crate that she can not turn or move around in. You may even compare it to how cows are raised to be veal. Here she will spend 80 percent of her life. At the State Fair she is pregnant and the gawking crowd hopes to see her giving birth to her litter. The mother can not move, and can barely lay down on her side to give birth. There is no peace, no quiet, no real rest. The sow is in public view, and not a private setting to birth. The noise will damper her hearing her babies crying for her when they are born. Many people reaching in to touch her, and her babies. Perhaps many pet gently, and perhaps a few bratty kids poke, and prod. These are animals. They do not reason our actions, but they do have emotions and are often frightened and tormented by this. All this, along with the loud music, a narrator over loud speakers, and the roar of the crowd. This type of animal cruelty is both physical and mental abuse to all in the crate. All too often mothers in their individual crates are photographed trying to bite their way out from the metal bars to the point of bleeding. 

If one complains about the cruelty of the situation, they are quickly assured that the crates are in the pigs best interest. That if not in a crate they would roll over the piglets. This generally is not true. Studies have shown in rare instances this happens and only on the first day if at all. There are over one million pigs in these crates currently in the USA. Rolling over is a fraction and not a real threat. 

General criticism from the population will say “I don't care, I want my bacon”, or “There just for food, it doesn't matter their treatment”. This article is not about becoming a vegetarian. Although I do admire those that are. It is about the treatment of their lives regardless of their fate. 

These type of exhibits are negative exhibits. It is the responsibility of a civilized society to educate our children with positive animal exhibits. Children and animals both enjoy petting zoos and State Fairs could certainly have such exhibits (and many do). State Fairs could teach our children what 9 other states already know (Including Canada and Europe); That Pig gestation crates are to be banned, and illegal. State Fairs need to be more pro-active on the humane treatment of animals. Yet, the states that do allow such crates will always fall back on their mantra. All too often their talking points revolve around the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). The AVMA says these crates are common practice and approved. This, from the same organization that says Cow Face Branding, Force Feeding Ducks, and Steel-Jaw Traps are acceptable practices too. The AVMA will find themselves on the wrong side of history. 

Education in any topic is pure Gold to the mind. This topic is no different. A Michigan State University study revealed that 60 percent or more of respondents in every state would support a gestation crate ban. Also in states like Florida, California, Arizona voters overwhelmingly had their voices heard as they supported legislation to outlaw gestation crates. However, even when a ban passes, there are politicians that threaten to repeal the legislation in some states. So we must not wane in our resolve. We must protest at state fairs that have no ban. We must write our congressmen/women. We must sign petitions and be pro-active. We are the voices for the those that can't speak for themselves. You can be their champion. There is a global trend toward phasing out gestation crate use in countries where growing social concern has taken hold. Let us join them.

There is also a darker side. Yes, even darker side to a inhumane Pig Gestation crate at a State Fair. I am sure you all are familiar with the treatment of a female dogs at a horrific Puppy Mills. That they may spend their entire breeding life in a small cage litter after litter for years until she becomes useless to the owner. That image invokes tears in many of us. Similarly there are Pig Gestation crates with Pigs by the hundreds, even thousands at livestock farms in the majority of our states. Each Pig is in a crate where they can not move at all. Two feet wide, and that is their life. Just like the Puppy Mills, these Sows have a litter, and soon they are taken away from the mother so she may have yet another. This process, over and over again until it is too old. Then it is slaughtered. As with Puppy Mills, these images would also bring the strongest of us to tears.

The ban of Gestation crates in 9 states include the banning of these crates in addition to State Fairs. In 2012 McDonald's said these crates must go. Other studies have shown that group livestock living promotes healthier sows from socializing, walking/moving, and healthier litters. Studies have also shown that group living is a cheaper alternative as well. 

People are becoming more compassionate and educated. The for-mentioned Chicken eggs from cage free chickens. They find the eggs are a better quality when cage free chickens are involved. No matter the animal topic, better treatment is cheaper, more productive and have healthier results. 

Many companies are making the switch from Gestation crates to group living. Too many to list, but a few worth mentioning as examples are: Hormel, Whole Foods, McDonald's, Costco, Sonic, etc. However, the list of companies with no plans to stop the use of Pig Gestation Crates is getting smaller, but still exist. Walmart being noted among the worse. 

It is my pleasure to note the nine states that have enacted a ban on Pig Gestation Crates. They are as follows: Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Maine, Michigan, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island.

 

What can you do? Again, call your Congressman, Attended or organize a protest, Sign petitions, locate your local State Fair management personal and call them to say STOP Exhibiting Motherhood Behind Bars. As an example: For Pennsylvania's Erie County Fair call Call 716-649-3900 DENNIS LANG, CEO/FAIR MANAGER. No matter what state you are in, you can simply do a search on your favorite search engine and find the person in charge of the state fair in your state. 

You can also write your newspaper's editor for the editorial and opinion section. A wonderful example of writing a newspaper is the image below (Click to enlarge). Slogans are great, such as “Do you part, have a heart” or something similar, but slogans do not relieve cruelty. People do, Laws do, education does. Write your Newspaper, congressman, state fair directors. You, not a slogan can change the world.