SPCA urges New Zealanders to speak up on farrowing crates

SPCA is calling on New Zealanders to make their voices heard on the Government’s proposed changes to pig farming regulations, which would allow the cruel and outdated practice of farrowing crates to continue for another decade (before allowing their temporary use indefinitely). The public were given just two weeks to submit feedback on the Bill – generally, committees allow six weeks for submissions.

Around half of New Zealand pig farms – approximately 44 farms, according to the Ministry for Primary Industries - use indoor systems with farrowing crates, while the other half operate outdoor systems where sows and piglets have access to huts in paddocks. The Government’s proposal introduces a new Bill to maintain the current indoor crating systems.

In 2020, the High Court ruled the use of farrowing crates unlawful under the Animal Welfare Act 1999. Regulations permitting their use were due to expire on 18 December 2025. However, on 1 October 2025, the Animal Welfare Minister Andrew Hoggard, proposed a ten-year extension, allowing farrowing crates until the end of 2035, and the introduction of “temporary farrowing crates” thereafter.

SPCA Chief Scientific Officer Dr Arnja Dale says the proposal sidesteps a previous High Court ruling:

“New Zealanders care about the welfare of farmed animals, and this proposed change does not reflect that,” says Dr Dale.

“Our laws should reflect current animal welfare science and public opinion, not bend to the will of industry. It is unacceptable to see decisions of this scale being made without transparency and with such limited time for public input.”

Farrowing crates are metal enclosures used on indoor pig farms to confine mother pigs (sows) for five days before and four weeks after giving birth. These crates severely restrict the sow’s movement – mum can stand and lie down but cannot turn around or move freely.

This prevents mum from performing important natural maternal behaviours such as nest-building and bonding with her piglets, causing significant mental and emotional distress. Piglets are also confined to limited space, restricting their ability to move and play.

Temporary crates would confine sows for three days before and four days after giving birth. But SPCA and other animal welfare experts argue this still fails to meet basic welfare standards, preventing the sow from building her nest and carrying out other important maternal behaviours at the crucial time around birth, as well as risking increasing piglet mortality rates.

Countries such as Switzerland, Sweden, and Finland have banned both permanent and temporary farrowing crates, opting instead for “free farrowing pens.” These pens allow sows to move freely, build nests, and interact naturally with their piglets, while still incorporating design features that can ensure lower piglet mortality rates.

Countries such as Switzerland, Sweden, and Finland have banned both permanent and temporary farrowing crates, opting instead for “free farrowing pens.” These pens allow sows to move freely, build nests, and interact naturally with their piglets, while still incorporating design features that can ensure lower piglet mortality rates.

SPCA urges all New Zealanders to take part in the consultation and demand better standards for mother pigs. Submissions close at 5pm on 23 October 2025 and SPCA is urging New Zealanders to have their say here.

Image: Jo-Anne McArthur - Essere Animali - We Animals