Sows spend at least two-thirds of their lives in pregnancy. In tether stalls the sow is tethered by a heavy chain attached to a strap around the pigs neck or body. Floors are concrete or slatted and do not have any bedding. When first tethered sows can become very distressed and struggle frantically. Lameness, other leg, back and hip problems and sores are all common.
Sows also show stereotypic behaviour such as gnawing and biting stall bars.
Government legislation passed in October 1991 led to the banning of all stalls and tethers from January 1, 1999. However much pigmeat is imported from other European countries. EC legislation means tethers are to be banned in all EC countries from 2005 but no action has been taken on sow stalls. Alternatives to stalls and tethers include keeping the sows indoors in groups. Sows are kept in enclosures and may have bedding.