Agriculture Victoria is reminding sheep owners of their responsibility to prevent wool from becoming excessively long, which can pose serious risks to animal health and welfare.
Senior Veterinary Officer Dr Jeff Cave said sheep with more than a year’s wool growth are highly susceptible to heat stress and disease. Those with over-long fleeces are also more likely to become cast — lying on their side and unable to rise.
“A person who allows sheep in their care to grow excessively long fleeces may be exposed to cruelty provisions under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Regulations 2019,” Dr Cave said.
“Under the regulations, a fleece must not exceed twice the average annual growth for the breed or 250mm, whichever is shorter.”
Most sheep producers shear annually and are unlikely to have issues complying, Dr Cave said.
“People who keep sheep as pets also need to plan ahead and arrange for annual shearing.”
Dr Cave emphasised that all sheep owners or managers must act to prevent wool from becoming over-long. Excessive fleece length increases the risk of heat stress, cast sheep, and serious conditions such as flystrike.
“The regulations apply to anyone responsible for sheep, whether commercial or hobby. Anyone in charge of sheep can be fined for excessive wool growth,” he said.
He also stressed the importance of timing shearing correctly, particularly during warmer months.
“Freshly shorn sheep should be placed in paddocks with adequate shelter to protect them from heat and sun.”
For more information on sheep health and welfare, visit the Agriculture Victoria website, call 136 186, or consult Animal Health and Welfare staff.
