Improving animal welfare for dairy sheep

Milking dairy sheep is reasonably new in New Zealand. In 2022, there were only 30 farms milking an estimated 30,000 dairy ewes.

It is therefore not surprising that, while the Code of Welfare for Sheep and Beef Cattle does apply to all sheep including those for milking, there are no specific minimum standards for dairy sheep.

SPCA Certified has animal welfare standards for dairy sheep that ensure animal welfare is improved by exceeding the minimum legal requirements laid out in the Code of Welfare.

SPCA Certified works to continuously improve farmed animal welfare by holding farming businesses to a higher standard of care. Importantly, it is not all about minimising negative experiences, but also about providing opportunities for positive experiences. SPCA Certified standards for dairy sheep ensure access to pasture so the animals have opportunity to engage in normal behaviours, and access to shade and shelter at all times so animals can be comfortable no matter the weather. Housed lambs must be provided with enrichment to encourage play behaviour and give them the opportunity to investigate and explore a more stimulating environment.

SPCA Certified standards also require dairy sheep farmers to have an animal health plan that is kept up to date with a local veterinarian. SPCA Certified ensures that dairy sheep farms are audited at least twice a year, with at least one unannounced audit, to ensure that standards are adhered to. Under the Code of Welfare, animal welfare audits are not required for dairy sheep.

At SPCA Certified we believe in making it easier for consumers to know what they are buying and how to support better welfare. The infographic below compares welfare requirements for dairy sheep under the Code of Welfare and SPCA Certified standards. See how the different standards compare in terms of dairy sheep health and behaviour, access to pasture and shade and shelter, and consumer assurances for how dairy sheep are farmed.