McDonald’s will require its US pork suppliers to outline their plans to phase out the use of sow gestation stalls, a move supported by The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), according to the corporation.
Dan Gorsky, senior vice president of McDonald’s North America supply chain management, said: “McDonald’s believes gestation stalls are not a sustainable production system for the future. There are alternatives that we think are better for the welfare of sows.
“McDonald’s wants to see the end of sow confinement in gestation stalls in our supply chain. We are beginning an assessment with our US suppliers to determine how to build on the work already underway to reach that goal. In May, after receiving our suppliers’ plans, we’ll share results from the assessment and our next steps.”
Wayne Pacelle, The HSUS’ president and CEO, said: “The HSUS has been a long-time advocate for ending the use of gestation crates, and McDonald’s announcement is important and promising. All animals deserve humane treatment, including farm animals, and it’s just wrong to immobilise animals for their whole lives in crates barely larger than their bodies.”
McDonald’s actions are backed by independent animal welfare experts, including scientist Dr Temple Grandin. “Moving from gestation stalls to better alternatives will improve the welfare of sows and I’m pleased to see McDonald’s working with its suppliers toward that end. It takes a thorough plan to address the training of animal handlers, proper feeding systems, and the significant financial investment and logistics involved with such a big change. I’m optimistic about this announcement,” said Dr Grandin.
Source: McDonald’s
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