Routine tail docking of piglets is practiced to prevent tail biting, but evidence shows good husbandry and enrichment can prevent biting without the painful surgical procedure.
Tail docking involves cutting through sensitive tail tissue without anaesthesia in most commercial settings. The procedure prevents one welfare problem by causing another. Piglets experience acute pain during the procedure, and amputated tails can develop neuromas causing chronic pain. The root cause - inadequate enrichment and space - remains unaddressed by docking alone.