Key welfare issues

Inspection and management
Although sheep farming methods have generally not become more intensified, many shepherds are now having to look after much larger flocks. This can sometimes result in welfare problems if, for example, the shepherd doesn’t notice sheep that are suffering from disease, injuries, or which have become trapped.

Lameness
Major causes of lameness include scald and foot rot, both painful bacterial infections. It is not uncommon to find 10 per cent or more of a flock lame and in obvious pain and distress. In many flocks these conditions are still not being prevented or successfully treated, and lameness is sometimes considered to be an inevitable part of sheep production. Foot rot and scald can be better controlled and sometimes even eradicated from a flock completely. We’ve been producing information resources to encourage and help farmers to better deal with this welfare problem.

External parasites
Sheep in the UK can suffer from a number of different external parasites, such as fly strike, ‘sheep scab’ and other mites, ticks and lice. These can cause severe discomfort and distress to the sheep and, in the case of diseases like flystrike, even death if they are not spotted and treated quickly.

One of the best ways to help protect sheep from external parasites is by dipping them in a solution of insecticidal chemicals. This is a controversial issue because some of these chemicals may be harmful to human health or the environment if they are not used carefully and in accordance with the correct guidelines. Dipping can also be a stressful experience for the sheep. However, it is our view that the animal welfare benefits of dipping usually outweigh the costs. We would also like to see greater research and development of effective alternative treatments, which are easier and less stressful to apply, and safer for farmers to use.

Internal parasites
Sheep can suffer from various internal parasites such as worms and liver fluke. In recent years a developing problem has been that some worms are becoming resistant to anti-parasite drugs. Sheep farmers are being encouraged to use sustainable methods to control worms, only using drugs when they are really needed and using them effectively, something we strongly support.

Castration and tail docking
Young lambs often have their tails docked to help keep their rear end clean to reduce the risk of fly strike. Male lambs are also often castrated, mainly to make them easier to manage in later life. Both of these procedures are usually carried out using a rubber ring method that cuts off the blood circulation to the tail or testes. Although these painful procedures are sometimes intended to try to reduce the risk of other welfare problems, they may not always be as necessary or justifiable as some stock-keepers believe, as pointed out in a recent Farm Animal Welfare Council report. Where tail docking and castration are unavoidable for welfare reasons, we believe that pain relief should be provided if a practical method is available.

Handling
Sheep are prey animals that can be easily frightened, stressed or injured by inappropriate handling. They should always be handled carefully and considerately, and not, for example, roughly handled by their fleece, legs, ears, or tail, or unnecessarily isolated from other sheep for long periods. 

Shearing
It is important that adult sheep of breeds which have continuously growing wool are shorn at least once every year, to help reduce the risk of external parasites and keep the animals comfortable. However, shearing has to be carried out carefully and sympathetically to avoid problems such as handling stress and injuries. It is also important that shorn sheep are kept inside for at least two months during winter, or until the weather is suitable, and always have access to shade from the sun.

Live transport
Some of the key live transport welfare issues are described on our live transport pages.
Live export of sheep overseas for slaughter or further fattening in the rest of Europe is a totally unnecessary process that can cause significant suffering and distress. Export and import of live animals can also increase the risk of spreading certain sheep diseases, such as caseous lymphadenitis (CLA), which is relatively rare in the UK but common in certain areas of Europe.