A new pig welfare code has drawn a big response from the public calling for an end to the use of sow stalls and farrowing crates in the pork industry.

The National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee released a draft version of the new welfare code for pigs last month.

It recommends restricting the use of farrowing crates to four weeks post-farrowing from the end of this year.

NAWAC chairman John Hellstrom says while most public submissions support the eventual ban on crates, industry bodies aren’t as keen.

But a Pork Industry Board’s report claims 14% of pig farmers would leave the industry if a 2017 ban date goes ahead.    Mr. Hellstrom says if those numbers stack up, the committee will look at timing carefully.

The committee hopes to have a final report to MAF by July.

Meantime the Pork Industry Board says if pig farmers are forced to give up stalls and crates in the next few years, it will cost the country $50 million a year.

Chief executive Sam McIvor says a report by independent consultants Nimmo Bell shows 14% of pig farmers would leave the industry.

The Pork Industry Board says it’s already launched independent yearly audits of farms.

And it will introduce welfare-approved labeling for pork products.