Sheep undergo numerous painful procedures including castration, tail docking, and foot treatments, yet pain management remains inconsistent and often absent in commercial production.
Sheep have long been underestimated as pain-sensitive animals because they are prey species that mask discomfort. The evidence is now clear: they feel pain acutely from husbandry procedures, disease, and injury. However, pain management use remains inconsistent. Farmers cite cost and practicality, but analgesic use for castration and docking is increasingly cost-effective and may improve productivity through better post-procedure recovery. Standardising pain relief in sheep husbandry is a high-impact, achievable welfare improvement.