As docking or tailing gets underway, Beef + Lamb New Zealand is reminding farmers about the tail length regulations that came into effect in 2021.
Will Halliday, B+LNZ’s Senior Advisor Animal Welfare and Biosecurity, says the length of the docked tail must be no shorter than the distal end of the caudal fold.
“Put simply, this the end of the flaps of skin that attach the underside of the tail to the lamb’s body.”
Dr Halliday stresses that this is the absolute minimum length and docking tails to a shorter length could lead to a $500 infringement fee.
Under the regulations, hot irons and rubber rings are the only approved methods for docking tails and any other method could also result in a $500 fine.
“I really encourage farmers to remind everyone in the tailing gang about the required tail length and ensure everyone is clear about where they need to be placing the hot iron or rubber ring before they start the day.”
Only lambs under six months of age can be docked by farmers or staff. For lambs older than six months, the procedure needs to be carried out by a vet.
Find out more
- The full regulations can be found on the New Zealand Legislation website.
- Read B+LNZ’s factsheet on painful husbandry procedures in sheep (PDF, 79KB).
- For information about tailing length regulations, see our Tailing length regulations video.
