The Board Claims ‘No Knowledge’ of Breeding Practices
When sows become pregnant, it is through the insemination process using boar semen purchased from breeding companies. This fundamental practice lies at the heart of pig farming.
In a recent response to the Danish Parliament’s food committee, Acting Food Minister Jacob Jensen (V) clarified that inspections primarily occur in the barns of pig producers, not at the breeding facilities themselves.
Amid ongoing government negotiations, the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration (DVFA) has been unavailable for interviews. However, they provided a written statement to DR, stating, “The board is not aware of any cases related to pig breeding that would suggest otherwise.”
The DVFA further declined to elaborate on their inspection processes or clarify how they might ensure compliance with existing regulations. Instead, they noted, “Current regulations do not address litter size in breeding practices. Ultimately, it is the farmer’s responsibility to ensure that both the sow and her piglets are treated in accordance with the law.”
The board drew parallels to other species where breeding practices may breach welfare standards, particularly highlighting brachycephalic dogs and cats, whose appealing looks can come at the expense of their health, often leaving them struggling to breathe.
Last year, Minister Jacob Jensen voiced his opposition to breeding dogs with what he termed “extreme traits,” calling it a public welfare concern.
In Denmark, around 40 million pigs are born annually. This scale of production highlights the urgent need for prioritizing animal welfare regulations, asserts Søren Stig Andersen.
“This approach jeopardizes their health and inflicts lifelong suffering. It’s time to take action,” was a statement released last February, addressing the urgent reforms needed to prevent breeding practices that lead to animal distress.
Lena Rangstrup-Christensen, a former controller, echoes this sentiment, arguing the same scrutiny should apply to pigs.
“While it is illegal to breed dogs for traits that serve only human interests, similar practices in pig farming also exist, benefiting only the farmer financially,” she states.
Søren Stig Andersen, citing a legal assessment, underscores the necessity for a re-evaluation of pig breeding regulations akin to those established for dogs. He advocates for a clear timeline that acknowledges the long-standing nature of these practices.
“We must also consider potential issues of expropriation, as altering breeding traits and stable designs might require substantial changes,” he explains.
Andersen argues that any revisions to regulations should be informed by a thorough veterinary assessment, possibly from bodies like the Veterinary Health Council.
“It is critical to give priority to the welfare of millions of intelligent and sentient beings,” he asserts.
Agriculture: Breeding Practices and Animal Welfare
Within the agricultural sector, the perception of breeding as detrimental to animal welfare is disputed. Christian Fink Hansen, director of the Pig Industry Association in Agriculture & Food, insists that breeders are adhering to established regulations.
“Naturally, managing larger litters brings added responsibilities for the care of the pigs,” he acknowledges.
Does that mean that the daily loss of 25,000 piglets doesn’t raise concerns about welfare and breeding standards?
“With a significant pig population in Denmark, it’s a statistical reality that loss occurs. Our priority is to maximize survival rates at birth,” he responds, adding that positive trends are emerging in this regard.
