Farm Animal Welfare

Pig Castration Pain Management Welfare

Surgical castration of piglets causes significant pain that is largely managed inadequately in commercial pig production.

Key Facts

Castration is performed on male piglets to prevent boar taint in meat from entire males
UK law requires anaesthesia for castration of piglets over 7 days of age
Under 7 days, anaesthesia is not legally required but is ethically supported by welfare evidence
NSAIDs reduce post-operative pain even when local anaesthesia is used for the procedure
Multiple EU countries are moving toward immunocastration or entire male production

Welfare Considerations

Piglet castration causes acute pain that is preventable with appropriate anaesthesia and analgesia. The welfare case for mandatory pain management is compelling regardless of piglet age at castration. Alternatives including immunocastration eliminate the welfare problem entirely.

What You Can Do

Advocate for mandatory anaesthesia and analgesia for all piglet castration regardless of age
Support producer and retailer transitions to immunocastration or entire male production
Choose pork from farms committed to pain management for all invasive procedures