Gestation and veal crates are torture devices designed to restrict the movement of mother pigs and calves until they are slaughtered. This form of intensive confinement causes these animals immense suffering on farms, which have been linked to the development of dangerous zoonotic diseases. Urge your legislators to cosponsor and support legislation that would protect animals and public health by banning these crates in New Jersey!

The COVID-19 crisis has revealed an urgent need for changes in animal agriculture. Numerous scientists and even a landmark United Nations report on pandemic risks have noted that the extreme confinement of farmed animals is one of the top drivers of the development of harmful, potentially deadly zoonotic diseases. It's time for New Jersey to step up and join other progressive states that have already made this change.

Mother pig in a gestation crate.

Gestation crates are metal cages that are designed to drastically limit the movement of pregnant pigs. While imprisoned, these cramped crates prevent pregnant pigs from taking more than one or two steps in any direction and they are unable to turn around. For pigs, who are naturally very nurturing and devoted mothers, being prevented from moving or engaging in any natural behaviors whatsoever causes them severe physical and psychological stress, and leads to stereotypical behaviors, such as biting on bars.

This type of confinement is considered to be one of the worst forms of cruelty inflicted on farmed animals.

Tragically, mother cows and calves who are slaughtered for meat and dairy also experience unthinkably cruel conditions. Male calves are unable to produce milk, so they are stolen from their mothers within hours or days of being born. They are then locked in incredibly small veal crates that are so small that they cannot move or stand properly. This lack of movement prevents their muscles from developing and becoming tough, which is not a marketable characteristic of veal for humans who choose to consume it. The intense terror of being a newborn calf separated from their mother and crammed into a crate that prevents movement is the epitome of cruelty. Sadly, many people don't realize that veal is a direct byproduct of the dairy industry.

A row of pigs enduring chronic confinement in gestation crates.

Thankfully, the world is taking action to eliminate these torture devices. So far, gestation crates have been banned in ten U.S. states, as well as Canada and the European Union. Many corporations, including McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, Carl's Jr., Hardees, Kroger, Denny's, and more are also prohibiting gestation crates in their supply chain. New Jersey must be next.

A5236 and S3401 would ban the usage of gestation and veal crates in New Jersey. Please urge your state senator and assembly members to cosponsor and support these crucial bill.