Tail docking of piglets is a routine mutilation aimed at preventing tail biting, but it does not address the root causes of this welfare problem in intensive systems.
Tail biting is a symptom of frustrated natural behaviours including rooting, foraging, and exploration. Docking removes the target but not the drive, meaning inadequately enriched pigs may redirect biting to ears and flanks. The docking procedure itself causes acute pain. Addressing root causes — stocking density, enrichment, lighting, health status — is the only sustainable welfare solution.