Environmental enrichment for pigs is both legally required and welfare-essential, and the type and quality of enrichment varies enormously in practice.
Pigs with adequate enrichment show dramatically better welfare indicators than those with minimal or no enrichment. Rooting is a fundamental porcine behavior requiring substrate. Food-based enrichment engages natural foraging behavior. Novel objects stimulate exploration and prevent boredom. Farms meeting the letter of enrichment law by providing bare hanging chains fail to meet the spirit of welfare requirements. The gap between minimum legal compliance and genuine enrichment provision represents widespread ongoing suffering.