Most mother pigs used by the pork industry are confined to gestation crates, metal cages so small the pigs are nearly immobilized. They can’t even turn around or take more than a step forward or backward. Because of the lack of movement, their muscles and bones deteriorate. These intelligent animals are denied any mental stimulation. Many become neurotic and engage in repetitive coping behaviors, such as constantly biting the metal bars in front of them.

Perpetual confinement in gestation crates is so cruel that ten U.S. states, Canada, and the European Union have already outlawed this abuse. On the corporate side, Smithfield Foods (the nation’s largest pig producer) is reducing its use of gestation crates. And brands such as Burger King, Wendy’s, Carl’s Jr., Cracker Barrel, Tim Hortons, Sonic, Kroger, Kraft Foods, and Safeway, among others, are prohibiting the use of gestation crates in their supply chains.