The majority of pigs in Australia are factory farmed, where they are kept in cramped, filthy warehouses for their entire lives. These friendly, intelligent creatures live in constant stress of confinement. This is why I’m calling to make it mandatory for piggeries (in South Australia) to get APIQ quality certification.

Pigs are social animals that thrive in groups. Currently, female pigs are confined to a gestation crate which is too small for them to even turn around. The pigs are kept in dark, squalid conditions where sickness, injury and pain are rampant.

Mandating APIQ (Australian Pork Industry Quality Assurance Program) certification for piggeries will ensure humane treatment of the animals throughout their lives. The pigs will be able to play with each other outdoors and get access to veterinary care when they need it.

It will be a massive investment for current piggeries to upgrade their quality certification. In order to encourage this industry to move towards sustainable production, the government should consider creating grants which support piggery owners in taking this step.

Pigs are complex animals with feelings. They don’t deserve to live in discomfort and pain all their lives. It is essential to introduce mandatory APIQ certification and help piggeries prioritise animal welfare. 

Please sign and share my petition to call for an end to close confinement of pigs.