Farm Animals

Sheep Welfare in Shearing

Sheep shearing is a welfare-critical procedure that can cause significant distress and injury if performed poorly or in adverse conditions.

Key Facts

Around 30 million sheep are shorn annually in the UK
Skilled shearing takes approximately 2 minutes per sheep and minimises stress
Inexperienced shearing causes cuts, bruising, and prolonged handling stress
Shearing in cold or wet conditions without adequate shelter risks hypothermia in freshly shorn sheep
Electronic shearing equipment and restraint systems can reduce stress when properly used

Welfare Considerations

Shearing is an annual welfare event for every sheep. High standards of shearer skill, appropriate handling, and post-shearing weather protection are all essential to minimise welfare harm during this necessary procedure.

What You Can Do

Advocate for shearer training and competency standards in farming regulations
Support farm assurance schemes that include shearing welfare requirements
Engage with the wool industry about shearer welfare as well as animal welfare
Support weather protection for freshly shorn sheep in cold spring conditions
Learn about the welfare dimensions of wool production when making purchasing decisions