FVE position paper:
The Federation of Veterinarians of Europe (FVE) and the European Association of Porcine Health Management (EAPMH) recognize that pigs are sentient beings capable of pain and suffering, deserving of consideration and respect.
The veterinary profession believes we should move away from mutilations such as tail docking and generally work towards the improvement of pig welfare in commercial farming conditions.
EASVO agrees with the FVE and EAPHM that veterinarians have a key role to play to assess the risks for tail biting and to advise farmers on setting up an effective action plan, tailored to that particular farm, with solutions to prevent tail biting and to phase out in the longer-term the need for tail docking.