Help Get Sows Out of Stalls

In a significant and positive development, Rivalea, Australia's largest piggery operator has announced on its website that it will phase out sow stalls by 2017. The pig industry has been closely monitoring Animals Australia's public awareness campaigns, knowing that more and more consumers are becoming aware, and appalled by the tragic lives endured by mother pigs in factory farms.

This decision by Rivalea as the largest piggery in Australia sets a strong precedent and will improve the lives of some 50,000 breeding pigs. However, 2017 is much too far away for those pigs who are suffering in sow stalls right now! With further encouragement, Rivalea may bring forward this phase-out date, especially since they state that 2/3rds of their pigs already spend all or most of their pregnancy in group housing.

Rivalea states in its animal welfare policy: 'Care for every pig, every day'. To make this a reality, Rivalea also needs to commit to the use of pain relief if performing surgical procedures on piglets, such a tail docking and teeth cutting, and to ensure that all pigs in their care have quality of life and the ability to perform natural behaviours.

Rivalea is beginning to respond to the growing community concern about factory farming. Please spare a moment to urge them to act quickly to eliminate the worst abuses inflicted on pigs in factory farms.

Take Action!

Subject: (please enter a subject line) Dear Mr McKenzie, (please edit the letter below, or send as-is) I write to applaud Rivalea for committing to ending the use of sow stalls at your piggery enterprises and for the animal welfare policy that your company has put in place. As the largest piggery operator in Australia and the industry leader, it is setting a valuable precedent to the rest of the pig industry in Australia that change is needed and can be logistically achieved. I note that your animal welfare policy states that Rivalea 'cares for every pig, every day' and that your company commits to respectful and humane treatment of animals in your care. As this statement relates to pigs currently in your care, I urge you to bring forward the 2017 ending date for sow stalls and to also make a public commitment to using pain relief if conducting surgical procedures on piglets. Until this occurs and all pigs at Rivalea are provided with quality of life as per your stated aim -- your animal welfare policy will remain a vision rather than a much-needed reality for the pigs in your care. I urge you therefore to prioritise an earlier ending date for sow stalls and also to implement standards of care that will be widely applauded by the Australian community. Sincerely, Your Name

We will send this e-mail to:

• Mark McKenzie, Rivalea Marketing Manager

Your First Name: Your Last Name: Your E-Mail: Keep me updated with Animals Australia e-updates

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