Animal Health & Welfare

Tail-docking is a routine husbandry procedure for lambs in the UK and aims to reduce the impact of myriasis (blowfly strike) by increasing cleanliness. However, farmers and shepherds should consider carefully whether tail docking within a particular flock is necessary.

Tail docking must be carried out only in strict accordance with the law (as stated below) and should be performed by a competent, trained operator. For more details on tail docking, use the link on the right to download the Scottish Government Code of Recommendations for Welfare of Sheep.

The Welfare of Livestock (Prohibited Operations) Regulations 1982, as amended by the Welfare of Livestock (Prohibited Operations) (Amendment) Regulations 1987, prohibits tail docking of sheep unless sufficient tail is retained to cover the vulva in the case of female sheep and the anus in the case of male sheep.  Under the Protection of Animals (Anaesthetics) Act, 1954, as amended, rubber rings may only be used for tail docking if applied during the first week of life.