Animal welfare group Varkens in Nood (pigs in distress) is taking legal action against the government for refusing to take action against farmers who continue to cut off pigs’ tails using a hot knife.

The campaign group says the tails of 99% of Dutch piglets are burnt off in this way, even though the practice has been banned in Europe for more than 30 years. “It is unacceptable that the government is refusing to act,” the group said in a statement on Thursday.

The case dates back to last year when the food and product safety board NVWA did not take action when alerted to the practice at five of the country’s larger pig producers.

Inspectors turn a blind eye to the practice because it is seen as a way of stopping pigs biting each other’s tails, which can lead to infections. They argue the current legislation is unclear, making it impossible to act.

“This is an absurd solution for a problem which is caused by poor living conditions in the intensive livestock sector,” Varkens in Nood said.

Farm minister Femke Wiersma told the NRC her ministry is working towards a ban by 2030. Tackling tail biting requires “a fundamental change in the way of working, investments and a market which allows them to earn back the extra costs,” she said.

In March, MPs voted in favour of a motion requiring the government to outline the conditions that animal welfare standards must meet. For instance, livestock farmers should facilitate good nutrition and a safe environment, prevent animals from suffering pain, and ensure that they can exhibit natural behaviour.