Animal Health & Welfare

Under the Protection of Animals (Anaesthetics) Act 1954, as amended, it is an offence to castrate calves which have reached 2 months of age without the use of an anaesthetic. Furthermore, the use of a rubber ring or other device to restrict the flow of blood to the scrotum is only permitted without an anaesthetic if the device is applied during the first week of life.

Under the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966, as amended, only a veterinary surgeon may castrate a calf which has reached the age of 2 months.

(This information appears in the Scottish Government Welfare Code for Cattle. For the full report, use the link on the right).