Sheep tail docking reminder

Farmers, sheep owners and tailing contractors are being reminded to familiarise themselves with the new tail docking rules for sheep.

Although tail docking is a common farming practice, it is a significant procedure for the lamb. It’s important to use the right equipment and leave enough length to ensure the welfare of your sheep. The regulations aim to improve sheep welfare by clarifying how tail docking should be done, and who can carry it out. There are offences and penalties for breaches of these rules. For sheep under six months old, tail-docking must be done using a hot iron or rubber ring. If you use anything else, you can be fined $500. Aim to leave enough tail on so that it covers the vulva in ewes and a similar length in rams. Don’t go any shorter than the distal end of the caudal fold, otherwise you can be fined $500, or $1500 for the business. This applies to both the tail docker and the owner or person in charge of the sheep. Leaving enough tail to cover the vulva in ewes, or a similar length in rams, has been a recommended best practice since 2005 when the Painful Husbandry Procedures code of welfare was issued. It is also required by several assurance or verification programmes in the industry and is similar to requirements in other countries. “Having a decent length of tail left on is good for the sheep because it provides a muscle anchor, helping to regulate the proper function of the rectum. It also reduces sun damage and may help prevent prolapses”, says Dr Chris Rodwell, veterinarian and Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) Director Animal Health and Welfare. “Research has also shown that the risk of flystrike increases by having a tail either too long or too short, and the shorter a tail is docked, the more painful it is for the sheep.” For sheep older than six months, tail-docking must be done by a veterinarian, using pain relief. Otherwise, you could face a criminal conviction and fine of up to $3,000, or $15,000 for the business. “Many people will already be meeting these requirements, as they generally reflect current practice. The tail length requirement may mean a change for some people, so we are encouraging sheep owners and tailing contractors to familiarise themselves as tail-docking approaches” says Dr Rodwell. These regulations came into effect on 9 May 2021, alongside others covering a variety of surgical procedures carried out on a wide range of animals. You can find out more about the regulations here.

If you have any questions, email animalwelfare@mpi.govt.nz, or call 0800 00 83 33.

Research has also shown that the risk of flystrike increases by having a tail either too long or too short, and the shorter a tail is docked, the more painful it is for the sheep.