What are the animal welfare issues with shearing of sheep? Shearing is the process whereby the sheep’s fleece (wool) is removed using mechanical shears called ‘handpieces’. For sheep breeds that...
What is the RSPCA’s view on mulesing and flystrike prevention in sheep? Mulesing involves cutting crescent-shaped flaps of skin from around a lamb’s breech and tail. When this painful wound heals, it...
What is induced cryptorchidism? Induced cryptorchidism (or crimping) involves applying a rubber ring to a male animal’s scrotum so that the testes are held...
What is laparoscopic insemination of sheep? Laparoscopic insemination involves the penetration of the abdominal cavity and deposition of semen directly into the uterus of a ewe...
What is surgical embryo transfer in sheep? Surgical embryo transfer involves the collection and transfer of embryos from genetically superior ewes to donor ewes. Embryo collection requires...
What are the animal welfare issues with individual housing of sheep? Shedded sheep are sometimes called ‘Sharlea sheep’ because they were first kept in sheds at a Victorian property of that...
What is steining (or sheep freeze branding) and is it an acceptable alternative to mulesing sheep? Sheep, especially Merinos, have woolly wrinkles and folds around the tail and breech area which attract blowflies and may become...
Can I leave my home to care for animals during the COVID-19 pandemic? It is your responsibility to protect the welfare of animals in your care at all times. You have a legal...
What are the animal welfare issues with feedlots for sheep? Welfare issues for sheep in feedlots, particularly where sheep are housed indoors in sheds, include social stress, limited space allowance...