Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Banning sow stalls possible, says PM

Updated at 5:16 pm on 9 November 2010

Prime Minister John Key says it is possible the Government could ban the use of sow stalls on pig farms.

About 29% of New Zealand pig farmers use the stalls, which have been criticised by animal rights lobbyists as too small for pigs to move about in.

Mr Key says animal welfare in the pork industry is being taken very seriously and a report from the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee is being considered by Agriculture Minister David Carter.

The committee recommended phasing out farrowing crates and sow stalls by the end of 2017.

The Prime Minister says Mr Carter will release a new code of welfare for the industry in coming weeks that could include banning sow stalls.

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