At the start of this year just seven countries were expected to comply with the sow stall ban on time. Due in no small part to your letters and emails, this figure is now officially up to seventeen**. But sadly, as you may know, there are still a number of farmers across Europe who have not taken action to comply with the ban. Despite having had twelve years to change over their systems, at least ten nations contain farms that will soon be breaking the law.

We urgently need your help to tackle this deplorable situation. We have prepared a final warning message to the agriculture ministers of nations set to be in breach of the ban. They need to know that you find it unacceptable to keep sows illegally in small cages for months on end.

It is vital these governments hear tens of thousands of voices demanding action. With just one month to go until the ban, they need to put plans in place to ensure urgent and full compliance with the ban. No sow should have to continue to suffer in cages and delays and excuses are simply unacceptable.

Thank you for your continuing support.

Yours sincerely,

PS Thank you to everyone who took part in our recent action asking the pig industry in France to comply on time with the sow stall ban. The meeting between the Pig Producers and the French Government has now taken place. We received an overwhelming response, with over 21,000 of you taking part. We are pleased to report some of our key targets have already been back in touch with us regarding the ban – a huge step forward. Thank you.

* The total sow population for the EU was calculated as being 13.5 million in December 2010. Recent estimates suggest that around 5 million may still be in stalls.

**The EU Commission report that 17 member states will comply on time with the sow stall ban by January 1st 2013. This leaves 10 non-compliant nations. These are thought to be Italy, Poland, Cyprus, Finland, Austria, Spain, Greece, Slovenia, France and Portugal.