Written question asked by Neil Duncan-Jordan (Labour) on Thursday, 25 June 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 29 June 2026. It was answered by Stephen Morgan (Labour) on Thursday, 2 July 2026 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Sheep: Animal Welfare

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether she plans to prohibit the routine castration and tail docking of lambs.

Answer: A consultation on lamb castration and tail docking closed on 9 March. The proposals the Government consulted on did not include a ban on the use of castration and tail docking. Instead, the Government proposed that, where a procedure is considered to be necessary, then it should be carried out using methods that do not cause significant pain, or suitable pain relief should also be provided. We are now analysing the consultation responses and will publish a formal response in due course.

Secondary information