RSPCA response to the government’s castration and tail-docking consultation

Defra recently carried out a consultation on the castration and tail-docking of lambs, reviewing the current legislation and exploring potential changes to improve welfare.

This included looking at pain relief (short and long-acting), as well as novel methods (eg the use of clips) for these procedures.

The RSPCA’s farm animals department promotes reducing and replacing these procedures, encouraging the use of alternative husbandry methods to protect sheep welfare - for example, exploring non-invasive practices that have been shown to minimise the risk of flystrike.

We know many of you are already leading the way in this area by considering the necessity of these procedures, discussing alternative options with your vet, and using, as a minimum, long-acting pain relief drugs.

Our consultation response reflects these views and calls for more practical support for farmers looking to move away from these procedures. Specifically, we’ve called for funding to be made available to support the installation of secure fencing in sex-segregated flocks.

We expect Defra to publish a summary of consultation responses soon, and we’ll continue to advocate for the support and resources you need to maintain the highest welfare for your flock.