News Press releases 10,000+ people call on Scottish Government to ban farrowing crates 03-03-25 Leading animal protection charity OneKind welcomes the overwhelming public support for a ban on farrowing crates in Scotland. More than 10,000 of OneKind’s supporters have written to the Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity, Jim Fairlie, urging that the Scottish Government consult on phasing out farrowing crates for sows. Last year, 27 MSPs from five parties also signed a motion lodged by Christine Grahame MSP, highlighting the concerns for sows in farrowing crates and outlining how the Scottish Government could end their use. While the Scottish Government's consulted on phasing out cages for egg-laying hens last year, it omitted any proposals to phase out farrowing crates for mother pigs. This omission is despite a commitment to consult on a phase-out of farrowing crates in their 2021-2022 Programme for Government. CEO of OneKind, Bob Elliot, said: “The confinement of mother pigs in farrowing crates is completely archaic. These intelligent and social animals deserve better than to be trapped in cages where they can barely move for weeks on end. The physical and emotional toll on these sows is immense, as they are unable to engage in natural behaviours or properly care for their piglets. “It is time for Scotland to lead the way in animal welfare by becoming the first country in the UK to phase out farrowing crates. The Scottish Government has the opportunity to make a significant change that will improve the lives of these intelligent animals and set a positive example for the rest of the UK. “The Scottish Government, rightfully, has set out a vision for Scotland to be a Good Food Nation. However, this vision is undermined by the continued use of farrowing crates.” In addition to our campaign to ban farrowing crates in Scotland, we also part of the Crate Escape coalition, campaigning for all UK Governments to ban farrowing crates. Notes to Editor OneKind is a Scottish animal protection charity working to end cruelty to Scotland’s animals. At the time of writing 10,389 people have participated in OneKind’s campaign action. See the referenced Parliamentary motion here. Manage Cookie Preferences