Tooth grinding of sheep has been listed as a prohibited procedure under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.

DPI District Veterinary Officer Rachael Holmes said any producer who practices this technique is committing an act of cruelty upon the animal and liable to be fined

(approximately $14,000) or imprisoned for 12 months.

“Traditionally, the procedure of tooth grinding or trimming was recommended by some sectors

of the industry in the 1980’s because of supposed productivity improvements,” Dr Holmes said.

“However, studies on large numbers of sheep in Victoria and southern New South Wales have shown there is no benefit from conducting these procedures, in fact, results have shown some minor losses in production.

“Under the Code of accepted farming practice for welfare of sheep it states these procedures do not have any beneficial effect on health, well-being or productivity of the animals, but do have the potential to cause significant pain.”

For further information please contact your local DPI animal health or veterinary officer.