Castration and tail docking are routine procedures performed on millions of lambs annually. Both cause pain — UK law requires pain relief for older lambs but has gaps in practice compliance.
Lamb castration and tail docking welfare research clearly shows both procedures cause pain measurable through elevated cortisol, pain grimace scores and behavioural disturbance. Rubber ring application — the most common method — causes intense acute pain in the first hours. Pain relief using NSAID drugs (meloxicam) significantly reduces cortisol responses and behavioural pain indicators. Legal requirements for pain relief for lambs over 3 months are broadly followed, but pain relief for younger lambs (the majority) is not required by law despite evidence of equivalent pain responses. The British Veterinary Association advocates for pain relief at all ages — a welfare position supported by the research evidence regardless of current legal requirements.