Early voting has begun in the US state of Arizona where a campaign to outlaw the use of stalls to house gestating sows enters its last month.
This week, ballots began to reach Arizonans who will be asked to vote on a measure initiated and funded by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and Farm Sanctuary, which would establish criminal penalties for livestock producers who use stalls.
Emotions
The activists are appealing to the emotions of Arizonans, according to the American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV). The AASV emphasises that an extensive record of scientific research and real world experience shows that the use of stalls promotes the welfare of breeding sows.
In the state of Florida, a ban on gestation crates has already been achieved – just like in the EU. The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) fears more US states could follow if nothing is done.