In the world of industrial animal agriculture, the lives of pigs raised for meat are so often cruel and unjust that it raises ethical concerns from all vegans. Others, who may still consume pork, can also be upset when they hear or see the conditions in factory farms.

The journey from piglet to pork when pigs are raised for meat often involves a litany of procedures and conditions that compromise the well-being and natural behaviours of these intelligent and social animals.

Painful and distressing procedures mark the early days of a piglet’s life. Piglets are routinely castrated, a procedure that involves the removal of testicles, most times done without the use of anaesthesia. This painful process is typically performed within the first few days of their lives. The justification for this procedure is to prevent the development of undesirable flavours in the meat, but the cost to the piglet’s well-being is significant. As piglets grow, their living conditions are far from ideal. Many are confined to crowded sheds with minimal space to move and express their natural behaviours. Pigs are known for their intelligence and curiosity, but in these cramped environments, they are denied the opportunity to engage in activities like digging and nesting. The lack of mental stimulation and physical activity can lead to frustration and stress among the pigs.

Tail docking is another routine practice in industrial pig farming aimed at preventing pigs from biting each other’s tails due to stress or frustration. Unfortunately, this procedure is also performed without anaesthesia, adding to the physical and psychological distress experienced by the animals.

Pregnant sows face a particularly challenging life in factory farms. Many are confined to sow stalls during pregnancy, where they have barely enough space to stand, let alone turn around. These stalls often lack bedding, and the sows may be observed biting the bars of the stall or engaging in repetitive swaying behaviours. The conditions in sow stalls are uncomfortable at best and prevent the expression of natural maternal instincts.

While it’s worth noting that not all countries practice the continuous confinement of pregnant sows throughout their entire pregnancy, the use of sow stalls during the initial months is typical. This confinement restricts the sow’s movement, denying her the ability to engage in natural behaviours and lead a more fulfilling life.

As the birthing process approaches, pregnant pigs are shifted into farrowing crates reminiscent of sow stalls. These crates provide very little room for the sow to move and interact with her piglets. After giving birth, the mother pig finds herself in a situation where she can do little to care for her offspring aside from lying down to feed them. The restrictive nature of these crates further compromises the sow’s ability to nurture and bond with her piglets.

From castration without anaesthesia to the confinement of pregnant sows in restrictive stalls, the industrial production of pigs for meat raises ethical concerns from a vegan perspective. The quest for higher production efficiency compromises the welfare of these intelligent and sentient beings, highlighting the need to reevaluate current practices in the meat industry.

Until next time…