Animal Welfare & Safety Requirements

Before your shearing appointment, please review the following list of expectations. Adhering to these criteria will ensure that both legal and practical safety standards are met, safeguarding the well‑being of your animals, yourself, and me.

1. Animal Welfare Expectations

Under the Animal Welfare Act 1999,

The owner of an animal, and every person in charge of an animal, must ensure that the physical, health, and behavioural needs of the animal are met in a manner that is in accordance with both—

(a) good practice; and

(b) scientific knowledge.

As your shearer (and Veterinary-Technician-in-training), I become a "person in charge" when handling your sheep, and subsequently must abide by the applicable legal requirements.

The Five Domains of Animal Welfare

When considering "good practice", I adhere to the Five Domains of Animal Welfare, that is,

  • Good Nutrition: Sheep must be in a healthy body condition - malnourished or underweight sheep are difficult to shear and are far more prone to stress, cuts and potentially fatal complications during shearing.
  • Good Physical Environment: Some yards were designed or built at a time when animal welfare was not considered important. Good yard layout and conditions are essential for animal welfare. See yard safety checklist below.
  • Good Health: Animals should be free from obvious disease or untreated injuries (e.g. limping, open wounds).
  • Appropriate Behavioural Interactions: Sheep should be handled using calm, quiet movements - no shouting, prodding, or rough handling.

Together, the above help to create a Positive Mental Experience for the animal.

Health & Safety Expectations

Your safety - and mine - depends on a hazard‑free environment when handling livestock:

Containment

  • Sheep must be contained and ready for shearing when I arrive
  • I do not provide portable yards
  • I do not provide assistance with mustering animals.
  • If extra time is required to contain or recapture sheep, a rate of $25 per 15 minutes applies while I wait

Yard Safety Checklist

  • No exposed nails, splinters, or rotten/broken boards
  • Gates and rails must be secure and fully functional
  • No debris of any kind - this includes rocks, sticks, or tripping hazards
  • Shearing surface must be flat, dry and free of slipping hazards