Without prejudice to developments in Union legislation on animal welfare, tail-docking of sheep, beak trimming undertaken in the first three days of life, and dehorning may exceptionally be allowed, but only on a case-by-case basis and only when those practices improve the health, welfare or hygiene of the livestock or where workers’ safety would otherwise be compromised. Disbudding may be allowed only on a case by case basis when it improves the health, welfare or hygiene of the livestock or where workers’ safety would otherwise be compromised.
Gan dochar d’fhorbairtí a dhéanfar ar reachtaíocht an Aontais maidir le leas ainmhithe, féadfar sciotadh caorach, bearradh gob a dhéantar sa chéad 3 lá dá saoil, agus dí-adharcadh a cheadú go heisceachtúil de réir an cháis má chuirtear feabhas ar shláinte, leas nó sláinteachas an bheostoic dá bharr, nó i gcás ina gcuirtear sábháilteacht oibrithe i gcontúirt.. Ní féidir dí-adharcadh a cheadú ach go díreach de réir an cháis má chuirtear feabhas ar shláinte, leas nó sláinteachas an bheostoic dá bharr, nó i gcás ina gcuirtfí sábháilteacht oibrithe i gcontúirt.