The Welfare of Livestock Regulations 1994

PART IVPIGLETS

1.  If necessary, piglets shall be provided with a source of heat and a solid, dry and comfortable lying area away from the sow where all of them can rest at the same time.

2.  Where a farrowing crate is used, the piglets must have sufficient space to be able to be suckled without difficulty.

3.  Neither tail docking nor tooth clipping shall be carried out routinely but only when there is evidence, on the farm, that injuries to sows' teats or to other piglets have occurred or are likely to occur as a result of not carrying out these procedures. Where tooth clipping appears necessary, this shall only be carried out within seven days of birth.

4.  Piglets must not be weaned from the sow at an age of less than three weeks unless the welfare or health of the dam or piglets would otherwise be adversely affected.