The Prohibited Procedures on Protected Animals (Exemptions) (Scotland) Regulations 2010

Regulation 3

SCHEDULE 2 Pigs

Procedure			Purpose
Tattooing			Identification
Ear tagging			Identification
Ear notching			Identification
Micro chipping			Identification
Vasectomy			Controlling reproduction or general animal management
Implantation of a subcutaneous contraceptive into a non-farmed pig			Controlling reproduction or general animal management, as part of a conservation programme
Embryo and ovum transfer			Controlling reproduction or general animal management
Tusk trimming			Handler safety or herd welfare
Docking of farmed pigs kept on agricultural land			Handler safety or herd welfare
Conditions—
1) The procedure may only be performed—
	(a)	where there is evidence that injuries to the tails of other pigs have occurred and where other measures to improve environmental conditions or management systems have been taken in order to prevent tail-biting; and
	(b)	by the quick and complete severance of the part of the tail to be removed.
2) Where pigs are older than 7 days of age the procedure must be performed under anaesthetic and additional prolonged analgesia and only by a veterinary surgeon.
Uniform reduction of the corner teeth of farmed piglets kept on agricultural land aged 7 days or less by grinding or clipping to leave an intact smooth surface			Herd welfare
Condition—
The procedure may only be performed where there is evidence of injuries to sows’ teats or to other pigs’ ears or tails and when other measures have been taken to prevent tail-biting and other vices have been exhausted.
Nose ringing			General animal management
Condition—
Nose rings must not be put in animals kept continuously in indoor husbandry systems.
Castration			Controlling reproduction or general animal management.
Conditions—
1) Castration may only be performed by means other than the tearing of tissues.
2) Where pigs are older than 7 days of age the procedure must be performed under anaesthetic and additional prolonged analgesia and only by a veterinary surgeon.