143. We strongly advise that mutilations should not be carried out routinely but only when it can be clearly demonstrated that the animals would otherwise suffer to a greater extent than as a consequence of the operation. We believe that steps should be taken to eliminate, or at least minimise, the pain caused by all mutilations. These points should be strongly made in the Welfare Code which should include reference to the appropriate legislation.
144. Research should be undertaken to establish the extent of a pig's motivation to root and the effects of depriving the animal of this natural behaviour by nose-ringing.
145. Practical research should be undertaken into the most effective, least painful and minimally invasive methods of nose-ringing. We expect this research to be completed within five years of this report when we intend to review the evidence and consider whether to recommend to Ministers that nose-ringing of pigs be banned.
146. Research should be undertaken to establish whether practical methods could be developed to introduce analgesia or anaesthesia to reduce the level of short-term and long-term pain caused by teeth-clipping and tail-docking. We would expect this work to be completed within five years of this report at which point we would wish to consider whether the operations should be prohibited.
147. If tooth-clipping and tail-docking are carried out at the same time, we recommend that separate equipment is used and is thoroughly disinfected between operations.