Shearing is a necessary welfare management procedure that can itself cause welfare harm if done poorly. Evidence-based shearing practice minimizes stress and injury.
Shearing welfare is a skills-dependent welfare issue — the same procedure performed by a skilled shearer versus an unskilled one results in dramatically different welfare outcomes. Injuries including cuts, abrasions, and physical trauma from mishandling are entirely preventable with competent shearing. The transition toward shearing welfare training and competency assessment is a meaningful welfare improvement for tens of millions of sheep annually. Additionally, timing shearing appropriately and providing shelter post-shear prevents the welfare harm of cold exposure.