Belgian action against unsedated castration

According to animal rights organisation, Gaia, the pig sector has not stuck to its 2002 promise to stop unsedated castration by 2006.

 

The organisation drew up a survey and also made a video tape about the subject. It claims sufficient amounts of alternatives are available, as sedated castration is already carried out successfully in Norway.

 

The Belgian pig producers association, Veva, acknowledges that the promise of 2006 could not be met. “However, our pig producers don’t do anything illegal,” said a spokeswoman.

 

“A castration ban can only be implemented when this is economically feasible. Should our neighbouring countries decide not to adopt similar measures, it would be a disadvantage for Belgium, as our production costs will rise.”