Reminder: Docking regulations changed on 9th May 2020

Docking of lambs under 6 months of age is allowed to be carried out by non-veterinarians. Docking is a painful procedure for the lamb,  it is carried out for cleanliness and to reduce the risk of flystrike. You may only use a hot iron or a rubber ring. Animals over six months of age can only be docked by a veterinarian. 

The tail length must be no shorter than the end of the caudal fold which is the bare skin on the underneath of the tail (descends in a “V” from the top of the tail). This means the vulva in ewes is covered by the remaining tail and is a similar length in rams.