Changes to lamb castration and tail docking rules expected

Sheep farmers are being urged to participate in a new survey run by the NFU, looking into on-farm practices of castration and tail docking.

The NFU survey is being launched in anticipation of potential new restrictions from government, which the NFU says could have a “detrimental impact on these routine management procedures”.

See also: Two lamb castration methods that put focus on animal welfare

The NFU is wary of the government acting on the recommendations of the Animal Welfare Committee (AWC), which last reported on the welfare implications of castration and tail docking in sheep in 2022.

That report noted that, despite two previous studies urging farmers to avoid such practices, they remain routine on most farms, using rubber bands beyond the legal age limit of seven days.

Painful

The report complained that there had been little incentive to dissuade such “mutilations”, and little encouragement for companies to develop less painful alternatives.

The AWC therefore recommended new legislation, introduced by 2028 at the latest, banning the castration of male lambs that would be slaughtered before reaching puberty.

It also requires the use of anaesthetics where significant pain is likely to be caused – including during the first seven days of life.

Similarly, tail docking should not be practiced on lambs that would be slaughtered before the blowfly season, and not at all on self-shedding breeds.

The FAWC also recommends that the government introduce support schemes by 2028 to reward the segregation of rams and ewe lambs, making castration unnecessary.

Welfare impacts 

But the NFU maintains that tail docking and castration in lambs is necessary to manage negative health and welfare impacts caused by fly-strike, or to avoid unwanted pregnancies and complications during post-slaughter processing.

“As a result of this report and due to growing pressure on the veterinary profession and resource, there is potential for regulatory changes to be taken forward by the new government,” said a spokesperson.

“We want to hear about your lamb production and husbandry management methods, to help inform discussions with the government on potential new restrictions.”

An NFU online survey for members to have a say has been set up, which will be open until 26 September.