Pigs are among the most cognitively sophisticated farm animals, capable of learning, problem-solving and complex social behaviour that demands enriched environments.
The cognitive sophistication of pigs makes the barren conditions of conventional intensive farming particularly welfare-damaging. Pigs denied adequate stimulation engage in redirected behaviours including tail-biting, ear-biting and aggression. Routine tail docking is performed as a band-aid response rather than addressing the root cause. Enrichment materials — straw, rooting substrate, novel objects — significantly reduce these problems by allowing natural exploratory behaviour. Recognising pig intelligence should drive a fundamental rethink of housing standards.