Rigorous animal welfare protects #Sheep from pests and diseases

Sheep shearing is a highly skilled process and essential every year to reduce the likelihood of disease and parasitic infections, which can cause health and welfare problems for the animals.   

Now the Farmers’ Union of Wales has joined other industry organisations to produce joint guidance on sheep shearing, reminding farmers and professional contractors to work together to ensure that sheep are handled appropriately during shearing.

“Sheep keepers in Britain adhere to rigorous scientifically validated animal welfare regulations and this guidance reinforces the commitment by industry to ensure that shearing is conducted to very high standards,” said FUW Animal Welfare Officer Hazel Wright.

“We welcome a joint industry approach on this issue to ensure the best possible welfare for sheep during the shearing process.”

The guide reinforces current best practice at every step from the presentation of sheep on-farm through livestock handling and ensuring the shearing process is well-planned, organised and calmly implemented.

Shearing is a highly skilled process and the retention of skilled and professional shearers is essential.  This new checklist covers the entire procedure and helps the planning and undertaking of shearing sheep.

Share this article: