Tail docking in pigs is performed to prevent tail-biting, but it masks poor welfare conditions rather than addressing root causes. EU regulations prohibit routine docking, though compliance is limited.
Tail docking welfare illustrates an important principle: treating symptoms of poor welfare through mutilation rather than addressing underlying causes. Tail-biting occurs because pigs kept in barren environments with inadequate enrichment redirect natural rooting and exploration behaviors onto pen-mates. Docking reduces the severity of injuries that result, but does not address the behavioral need that drives biting. The EU regulatory approach that prohibits routine docking while requiring enrichment to prevent biting is scientifically sound - but enforcement has been inadequate. Farms that provide adequate enrichment show low tail-biting rates without docking, demonstrating that the welfare-improving approach is commercially viable.