Sheep are among the most numerous farmed animals globally. Their welfare across the production cycle — from birth through shearing and slaughter — varies enormously by management system.
Sheep welfare across the production cycle involves multiple distinct welfare challenges. Lambing — particularly in outdoor systems during cold, wet weather — causes significant neonatal mortality from hypothermia, starvation, and mis-mothering. Mulesing in Australian Merino sheep causes acute pain and requires analgesia that is often not provided. Shearing, while necessary, can cause cuts, cold exposure, and stress when performed poorly or in inappropriate conditions. Long-distance live export from Australia and other countries exposes sheep to severe welfare harms including overcrowding, extreme temperatures, disease, and prolonged food and water restriction. Slaughter welfare varies dramatically by abattoir quality and by whether pre-slaughter stunning is used. Breed selection for extreme wool production can create ongoing welfare issues from untended fleeces.