Livestock

Sheep Welfare: An Overview of a Major Farm Animal Group

Sheep are one of the most numerous farm animals globally; their welfare across wool, dairy, and meat production systems varies enormously.

Key Facts

There are approximately 1.2 billion sheep globally, mainly in China, Australia, and India
Sheep have strong social bonds and become severely stressed when separated from their flock
Foot rot affects up to 10% of sheep in poorly managed flocks causing chronic lameness
Flystrike, where flies lay eggs in wet wool, causes severe suffering if untreated
New Zealand has among the highest sheep welfare standards due to pasture-based systems

Welfare Considerations

Sheep in well-managed extensive systems have relatively good welfare: outdoor access, flock social structure, and natural grazing. Intensively housed sheep face lameness from inappropriate flooring, mastitis from high milk production demands, and foot rot from wet conditions. Separation from flocks causes acute stress measurable in cortisol and vocalization. The variation in sheep welfare standards globally is enormous.

What You Can Do

Choose lamb and wool from certified higher-welfare farms
Advocate for minimum welfare standards in sheep farming certification schemes
Support mulesing-free wool and certified non-mulesed product labeling
Donate to RSPCA Assured and similar sheep welfare certification programs
Reduce lamb consumption and choose higher-welfare options when consuming