Last year, the High Court ruled that some regulations and minimum standards in the Pig Code of Welfare that permit the use of farrowing crates were unlawful. Following that ruling, the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee began an assessment of the validity of pig farmers continuing to use the system to raise pigs. ANDY JACKSON/Stuff Sows in farrowing crates at the Stanley Brothers piggery in Taranaki. Farmers say the crates balance the needs and welfare of the sow with those of her piglets but opponents say they are cruel and should be banned. The court also directed Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor to consider recommending changes which would see them phased out.