Farmed Sheep Shearing Welfare Practices

Shearing is an annual necessity for wool sheep breeds but the practice involves welfare considerations around technique, timing and handling.

Key Facts

All domestic wool breeds require annual shearing as their fleece grows continuously
Poorly performed shearing causes cuts, abrasions and significant stress in sheep
Professional shearers using correct technique minimise both injury and handling stress
Shearing timing should avoid cold snaps that risk hypothermia in freshly shorn sheep
Sheep should be kept off feed before shearing to prevent bloat and improve manageability
Shearing facilities including non-slip floors and appropriate restraint reduce injury
Young lambs and heavily pregnant ewes require particularly careful management
Animal welfare organisations provide good practice guidance for shearing welfare

Welfare Considerations

Shearing welfare depends primarily on shearer skill, appropriate facilities and correct timing. Poor technique causes unnecessary pain through cuts and abrasions, and rough handling causes stress. Shearing immediately before cold weather without appropriate shelter causes hypothermia. Welfare-conscious shearing uses trained and competent shearers, appropriate handling facilities, correct timing relative to weather, and monitoring for post-shearing health problems. Investment in shearer training directly translates to improved sheep welfare at every annual shearing.

What You Can Do

Use competent, qualified shearers who prioritise animal welfare alongside speed
Provide appropriate shelter or housing for freshly shorn sheep in variable weather
Report concerns about shearing welfare to your vet or farm assurance inspector
Support shearer training programmes that include welfare handling components
Advocate for shearing welfare standards in farm assurance schemes