Farm Animal Welfare

Sheep Fleece and Shearing Welfare

Shearing is an annual welfare intervention for wool sheep, and the manner of shearing, timing, and handling practices significantly influence stress levels and injury risk.

Key Facts

Merino and other wool breeds require annual shearing as their fleece does not self-shed
Shearing causes acute stress: heart rate and cortisol rise significantly during the procedure
Machine blade shearing causes significantly less skin damage than older shear techniques when done correctly
Rough handling during shearing, including excessive flipping and leg holds, increases injury risk
Pre-shearing fasting for 12-24 hours is recommended to reduce aspiration risk under physical restraint

Welfare Considerations

While shearing is necessary for wool sheep welfare - unshorn fleeces cause heat stress, flystrike, and mobility problems - the shearing process itself is a welfare challenge. The annual requirement to catch, restrain, and shear every animal in a flock is a significant stress event. Training shearers in low-stress handling techniques, using appropriate facilities, and minimizing wait times reduce the welfare impact substantially.

What You Can Do

Support wool certification schemes that include animal handling welfare standards
If you keep wool sheep, invest in proper shearing facilities that minimize restraint time
Hire qualified and experienced shearers - poor technique causes cuts, stress, and injury
Ensure sheep are shorn before hot weather to prevent heat stress
Monitor recently shorn sheep for hypothermia risk in cold, wet conditions