The report describes the outcome of an audit in France in June 2019. The objective of the audit was to evaluate the suitability and effectiveness of the measures
in place to prevent tail biting and to avoid routine tail docking of pigs. 

The report concludes that the French authorities and the pig industry (and others) have developed an Action Plan which contains some of the main elements that are required to improve farm rearing conditions. However, only very few tangible actions have been taken to improve compliance with the provisions of the Pig Directive and to reduce tail biting and avoid tail docking of pigs, which is still carried out routinely in the country. The high incidence of tail biting injuries in docked pigs reported in a study in two slaughterhouses indicates an urgent need for improvement of rearing conditions in the pig sector. This is underpinned by a high percentage of non-compliances with regard to basic legal requirements found by official controls.

The report contains recommendations to the French authorities to address the shortcomings identified.