United States-Banning sow stalls.

UNITED STATES-ANIMAL WELFARE BILL.

Last week, legislation that would ban the use of gestation stalls in Illinois was introduced in the Illinois Senate.

The way it is drafted, it appears that the legislation would include farrowing stalls, as well. Senate Bill 1337 was introduced by Sen. James DeLeo (D-10, Chicago). The bill has been initiated by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and was introduced as part of the group’s lobby day on Feb. 10.

The legislation is similar to the ballot initiatives banning the use of gestation stalls, stalls for veal calves and battery cages for egg laying hens that have passed in California, Arizona and Florida. The proposed legislation would become effective January 1, 2010.

DeLeo has agreed to hold the bill until all information can be brought forward, including comments from the Illinois Farm Bureau and Illinois Pork Producers Association.