Thank you for contacting me about the castration and tail docking of lambs.
The Animal Welfare Committee (AWC) has published its view that current castration and tail docking practices can no longer be justified. The AWC recommends that they should no longer be permitted except where there is truly no alternative, and in these cases should only be carried out with effective pain relief or in ways that cause negligible pain.
The report acknowledges that the solution is not a simple change in law or change in practice. It highlights that this is a multifaceted, systemic problem, which will require systemic change.
I am aware also that the veterinary profession in the UK is working on this issue; you can find more information here:
https://www.bva.co.uk/take-action/our-policies/sheep-castration-tail-docking-and-pain-management/.
The Government's Animal Welfare Strategy was finally published in December 2025 after much delay. The strategy confirmed that the Government will work with the sheep sector to implement the advice and recommendations in the AWC’s report.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
