Pigs (England): Code of Recommendations for the Welfare of Livestock: Pigs (PB7950)
Section 1 - Management
Castration
The Welfare of Farmed Animals (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2003 (S.I. 2003 No. 299), Schedule 6, Part II, paragraphs 22 and 23 (2) state that:
- Male pigs may be castrated provided the means employed do not involve tearing of tissues.
- (2) If castration is carried out after the seventh day of life it shall only be performed by a veterinary surgeon in accordance with the provisions of the Protection of Animals (Anaesthetics) Act 1954.
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Stock-keepers should consider carefully whether castration is necessary. Castration is a mutilation and should be avoided wherever possible. If it cannot be avoided, it must be carried out in accordance with the law by a trained and competent operator or a veterinary surgeon. |