Tail docking (removal of part of the tail) in lambs is practised in many countries to reduce flystrike risk, but is itself a painful procedure with welfare implications. Without anaesthesia, docked lambs show pain behaviours for hours post-procedure. Rubber ring application causes sustained discomfort over 24-72 hours. Research on neuroma formation at the docking site suggests potential for chronic pain. Countries vary: some require anaesthesia, others permit docking without pain relief. The minimum welfare-positive approach includes rubber ring plus local anaesthesia and NSAID administration. Long-tailed breeds (e.g., Merino) in high-flystrike environments present the strongest case for docking; short-tailed breeds in low-risk environments have less justification. Welfare science increasingly questions routine docking without individual risk assessment.