UK sheep welfare policy in 2026 involves a combination of welfare codes, farm assurance, agri-environment payments, and ongoing review of specific practices including mulesing and castration.
UK sheep welfare policy provides a legal floor with farm assurance schemes building additional welfare standards above it. The most significant welfare challenges in UK sheep farming including lameness, parasitism, and neonatal mortality are addressed through industry-led programmes rather than legislation alone. Consumer purchasing choices influence which standards are commercially viable.