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Health & Fitness

Democrats and Republicans Agree: Ban Gestation Crates for Pigs

By Jimmy Esposito – Candidate for 30th District New Jersey General Assembly

If passed, Bill S1921 will put a Ban on Gestation Crates for Pigs. What is a Gestation Crate you ask? A gestation crate, also known as a sow stall, is a 7 ft. x 2 ft. metal enclosure used in intensive pig farming, in which a female breeding pig (sow) may be confined during pregnancy, and in effect for most of her adult life. (Source: Wikipedia)

In May, the state legislature overwhelmingly voted to prohibit these inhumane devices, with the Assembly passing the bill by a vote of 60 to five and the Senate by a vote of 35 to one.

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That legislation, S.1921, would require that pigs used for breeding be able to at least stand up, lie down, turn around and extend their limbs. Gov. Christie, under pressure from out-of-state pork interests, vetoed the bill.

Some Facts to support the Bill.

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• Nine states and the entire European Union have passed legislation to outlaw gestation crates.

• World-renowned animal scientist and meat industry advisor Temple Grandin, Ph.D., states, “Gestation crates for pigs are a real problem… Basically, you’re asking a sow to live in an airline seat … I think it’s something that needs to be phased out.”

• More than 100 New Jersey-based veterinarians signed on to a letter expressing support for A.3250/S.1921.

I applaud the efforts of my soon-to-be colleagues and if this bill is not passed by January, I will join the fight to Ban Gestation Crates.

For those of you who have not seen what we are talking about, please watch this short clip:

http://youtu.be/FwqGPqEQLKE

www.jimmyesposito.com

 

 

 

 

 

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