Tail biting in pigs causes serious injury and is a major welfare indicator of inadequate housing conditions, yet it remains widespread in intensive pig production globally.
Tail biting is simultaneously a welfare indicator and a welfare cause. Its occurrence signals that the housing environment cannot meet pigs behavioural and physical needs, while the resulting injuries cause acute and chronic pain in affected animals. The widespread practice of routine tail docking to reduce injury risk addresses the consequence rather than the cause, and itself causes pain without anaesthesia in most jurisdictions. Reducing tail biting requires addressing root causes: providing enrichment, reducing stocking density, improving ventilation, and ensuring adequate feed and water access. These systemic improvements serve multiple welfare goals simultaneously.