New Zealand has world-leading sheep welfare standards in some areas while facing persistent challenges with mulesing, fly strike, and transport.
New Zealand represents an interesting case study in sheep welfare policy. The ban on mulesing — achieved through selective breeding for bare-breech genetics and management rather than legislation — demonstrates that welfare improvements can be accomplished through industry commitment. The 2023 live export ban is among the most significant sheep welfare decisions made by any government globally, directly preventing suffering from long-distance maritime transport. Remaining challenges include managing fly strike without the mulesing shortcut, and ensuring that the economic pressures facing sheep farmers do not compromise the welfare standards that have been achieved. New Zealand welfare policy provides a useful model for other major sheep-producing countries.