On Jan. 9, Tyson Foods Inc. announced that it wanted better treatment of hogs raised for food, including not killing sick and injured piglets by blunt force.
Tyson stated, “Whether it involves gestation stalls, pens or some other type of housing, we believe future sow housing should allow sows of all sizes to stand, turn around, lie down and stretch their legs.”
In the world of animal welfare, being able to lie down, turn around and not have your head bashed in is considered a victory. The New Jersey Legislature had passed a bill that would have banned sow gestation crates altogether in our state, but that bill was vetoed by Gov. Chris Christie in 2013 — a move probably benefiting his longterm political aspirations by appeasing states with larger sow-raising industries. Animals, including those raised for food, should be treated well for the short time they are on this planet. Their welfare, or lack of it, should never be used as a bargaining chip to further someone’s political goals.
Besides complaining to the governor about gestation crates, find out other ways you can help end animal abuse by visiting the websites of organizations such as the Humane Society of the United States and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Dawn Zelinski Middletown