Findings

Congress makes the following findings: (1) Intensive confinement of pigs is a significant animal welfare issue, causing physical problems and psychological anguish for the animals. (2) Dozens of major food retailers and more than 10 States have taken action to phase out the use of intensive confinement for pigs, reflecting the will and concerns of the public. (3) At least two States have adopted policies to forbid the sale of pork from factory farms that use gestation crates, with that policy predicated on human health and animal welfare concerns. (4) As more consumers turn away from purchasing pork products derived from intensive confinement practices, the pork industry will be better aligned with its customers by ending these unpopular and inhumane housing methods.