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Written question asked by Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle (Green Party) on Wednesday, 8 July 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 22 July 2026. It was answered by Baroness Hayman of Ullock (Labour) on Wednesday, 15 July 2026 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.


Sheep: Animal Welfare

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by the Minister of State on 9 June 2026 (UIN 7005), why they concluded that banning castration and tail docking of lambs was not the correct approach; and whether they will make their statement publicly available.

Answer

This Government recognises that there are situations where completely removing the need for these procedures is not feasible and would not reflect the evidence base or sectoral needs and could result in unintended negative consequences for animal welfare. There remain cases, such as where there is a high risk of flystrike, where these procedures may still be justified. This is set out in the consultation documentation.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL1784
Session
2026-27
Related items
Sheep: Animal Welfare
Tuesday, 9 June 2026
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects
Animal welfare Sheep
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk