At the NSPCA, we believe in a South Africa where no animal suffers.
A gestation crate is a metal cage used to confine a pregnant sow (mother pig) during her pregnancy – three months, three weeks, and three days. These cages are so narrow that the sow cannot even turn around. She stands or lies on cold concrete, denied movement, denied bedding, and denied any semblance of the natural behaviours she would express if free.
This isn’t farming. It’s incarceration.
What Are Gestation Crates Supposed to Do?
The industry claims gestation crates help with sow management, prevent fights between sows, allow easier handling, and, most importantly to them, to maximise space in a house. But at what cost? The physical and psychological suffering inflicted by these crates is entirely avoidable.
In natural or more humane systems, a sow builds a nest, interacts freely, and engages in instinctive behaviour or group housing. But when confined in a gestation crate, she is reduced to nothing more than a “production unit” – stripped of her dignity, unable to even shift her weight or interact normally.
Gestation crates have no benefit to the animal. In fact, they violate Section 2(1)(a) of the Animals Protection Act No. 71 of 1962, which prohibits unnecessary confinement or suffering.
A Broken Promise
In 2013, the NSPCA launched a national campaign to end this practice. Thousands of people joined us. Under pressure, the pork industry committed to phase out gestation crates by 2016, later delaying to 2020, promising there would be “no more excuses”.
And yet here we are.
Yes, some farmers have complied. Others reduced the period of confinement from nearly 4 months to 6 weeks. But six weeks in a cage where you can’t even turn around is still six weeks too many.
Now, the industry is pushing for a compromise: “just four weeks in a crate, please”. But the NSPCA doesn’t believe in cruelty with a time limit. We want zero days.
There is no moral middle ground on this issue. Confining sentient beings in cages for convenience is outdated, cruel, and has no place in a humane society.
We’re Not Letting Go – But We Need Your Help
Thanks to our investigations and enforcement actions, more and more farmers are making changes. But real change isn’t easy – and it’s not free.
Every step we take:
- Inspecting farms across the country
- Engaging suppliers and retailers
- Educating the public and pressuring industry
- Enforcing the Animals Protection Act
- Taking on non-compliant producers
… requires resources.
This has been a long fight. But we can’t lose steam now. With your help, we can finally bring this cruelty to an end.
What You Can Do
- Donate to our campaign to end gestation crates. Every contribution helps fund inspections, investigations, action, and public awareness.
- Support ethical practices. Ask where your pork comes from and choose retailers that truly commit to crate-free sourcing.
- Raise your voice. Share this campaign and help us keep the pressure on.
The industry has had enough time. Pigs have not had enough freedom.
Join us in saying: Not four weeks. Not one week. Not one day. No more cages. No more cruelty.
Join us. Donate Now.
If you are as passionate about animals and their well-being as we are, consider supporting our causes by donating.
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Will You Be the One Who Takes Action?
Most people will scroll past this. But will you be the one who stands up for animals?
Animal welfare isn’t always in the spotlight, but it changes lives – for every neglected, abused, or suffering animal we help. Our teams work tirelessly, often behind the scenes, ensuring animals across South Africa are protected.
This work is relentless. The challenges are immense. But with more hands, hearts, and resources, we can do even more.
The equation is simple: the more supporters we have, the greater our reach, the stronger our impact.
Be part of the change. Become an NSPCA Project Partner today. From just R50 per month, you can help ensure that no animal suffers in silence.
