Arizona Bans Sow and Veal Crates

Agriculture Online, November 10, 2006

On Tuesday, Arizona voters passed a proposition that bans both gestation crates for sows and veal crates, with 61% of voters in favor of the ban. Arizona is the second state to pass such a proposition, joining Florida, which passed a similar law in 2002. Arizona Proposition 204 requires that gestating sows and calves raised for veal be housed in enclosures that allow them to fully extend their limbs and turn around. While Arizona and Florida together account for only 0.26% of the US pig population, pork-producing associations are worried that the Arizona and Florida bans may lead to similar bans nationwide — or that crate bans may be proposed as part of the 2007 Farm Bill. The ban does not go into effect until December 31, 2012.

Learn more about how pigs and cows can be raised sustainably and humanely.