Routine tail docking in pigs to prevent tail biting represents a welfare compromise that treats a symptom rather than the cause, with intact tail management requiring higher environmental standards.
Tail docking represents a classic welfare dilemma: a painful procedure inflicted on all piglets to prevent a painful outcome for some. The procedure causes acute pain at docking and potential chronic pain from stump neuromas. The underlying cause - environmental inadequacy driving tail biting - remains unaddressed. The welfare ideal is intact tails in adequately managed environments that prevent tail biting through enrichment, appropriate stocking density, and good nutrition. The existence of intact-tail pig production systems in some countries demonstrates commercial viability. Progress toward the EU's stated goal of eliminating routine tail docking requires investment in the management improvements that enable it.