Write to the Minister of Agriculture and tell him to ban gestation crates now. 

Write to:

The Honourable Gerry Ritz
Minister, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0A6
Tel: (613) 995-7080
Fax: (613) 996-8472
Email: Ritz.G@parl.gc.ca

Sample Letter

Subject: Legislation banning sow stalls in Canada.

Dear Minister Ritz,

I am writing to urge you to legislate a ban on the use of sow stalls in favour of more humane farming methods. Each year in Canada, more than 1 million sows are subjected to unnecessarily cruel farming practices by the agriculture industry. These unfortunate animals are confined throughout their pregnancies in metal stalls so small that the sows are unable to turn around. For months on end, these sensitive, intelligent animals must endure total confinement. They must live, eat, drink, sleep, urinate and defecate in the same tiny space for essentially their entire lives. This inhumane treatment can be stopped as alternatives such as “group housing” sows in large open pens are easily applicable and affords a much higher quality of life.

The European Union has passed legislation banning the use of sow stalls by 2013 at a time when millions of Canadians are becoming aware of the costs of intensive farming practices. I believe it is time for Canada to match these standards. A 2013 goal gives ample time to all farmers to make the necessary adjustments to their operations.

Thank you for your consideration of this important matter.

Yours truly,

[your name, your city]