Mandatory pain relief for routine livestock procedures is expanding in the UK, reducing the chronic welfare deficit from painful husbandry practices performed without analgesia.
The provision of pain relief for routine but painful procedures is a fundamental welfare improvement that is technically straightforward and relatively low cost. Barriers include habit, perceived time cost, and drug costs. Mandatory pain relief requirements overcome these barriers by removing the choice not to provide it. Progressive welfare standards and legislation have steadily expanded pain relief requirements, with continued advocacy needed to close remaining gaps.