Positions on Specific Issues
The ASPCA confirms the following positions with regard to these important welfare issues:
Use of gestation crates for pregnant sows: Oppose
Use of battery cages for laying hens: Oppose
Forced molting of laying hens: Oppose
Use of veal crates: Oppose
Use of electric prods to move livestock: Oppose unless animal or human safety is in jeopardy; a method of last resort.
Docking tails of pigs: Support, but only to prevent tail biting by other pigs. The ASPCA supports further research to eliminate this behavior.
Beak trimming laying hens: Support, but only because the pain and suffering of cannibalized hens is greater. The ASPCA supports continuing research to prevent this behavior. Beak trimming should be performed by trained individuals and only the upper mandible should be cut.