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 are the animal welfare issues with individual housing of sheep? The permanent housing of sheep in a single pen for the purpose of fine wool production was effectively banned in...
What is sheep freeze branding (or steining) 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...
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...
What are some of the painful procedures experienced by sheep on farm? RSPCA defines a painful farm animal husbandry procedure as any action that alters or removes a specific body part of...