Dossier: Tail biting and tail docking
This dossier aims to help Competent Authorities and other stakeholders with issues related to tail docking and tail biting of pigs.
Routine tail docking, although banned in the EU, is persistent in conventional pig farming as it reduces the risk of tail biting. Tail biting is an abnormal behaviour of pigs related to suboptimal housing and/or management involving stress and reduced welfare. It is associated with an inability to perform species-specific behaviours related to exploration (enrichment) and searching for food (rooting).
This dossier is based on the so-called Staff Working Document, published by the Commission in 2016. The dossier will be updated and improved continously by the EURCAW-Pigs team. The text is meant to support Competent Authorities, and is not legally binding.
Important publications
- Commission Staff Working Document, EC, 2016
- Commission Recommendation (EU) 2016/336, EC, 2016, EC, 2016
- Council Directive 2008/120/EC, EC, 2008
- Council Directive 98/58/EC, EC, 1998
Each EURCAW-Pigs dossier is divided in the following 5 items: 'Legislation', ‘Welfare indicators’, ‘knowledge’, 'Inspiring examples', and 'Training courses'.
Legislation
The legal requirements related to tail docking can be found in two Council Directives, and in two supporting documents from the Commission.
Welfare indicators
Indicators and checklists to monitor animal welfare on-farm and/or check or verify compliance with legislation.
Knowledge
Background information and practical knowledge on the understanding of the origin of tail-biting, how it affects pig welfare, and how tail docking can be avoided in practice.
Inspiring examples
Inspiring examples and demonstration farms on how to reduce tail biting.
Training courses
Examples of training courses and training materials on how to reduce tail biting.