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NOTICEBOARD

08/05/2025 - UPDATES TO SSS SHOWING GUIDELINES

The Board of the Shetland Sheep Society have acted upon a recommendation from the J&IP to amend and modernise the guidelines for showing sheep during the early part of the show season.

Consideration has been given to the increasing temperatures earlier in the year, and the widely documented incidences of fly strike occurring much earlier in the season.

In the interests of animal welfare, the J&IP have therefore recommended that the guidelines be relaxed to allow sheep to be shown clipped, rooed, or in full fleece, up until the end of June - whereafter full clipping or rooing is recommended as standard. It is at member's discretion to show their sheep in the most appropriate state relevant to their individual circumstances.

Sheep should not have their wool removed before a natural rise. When shown clipped or rooed this should be at, or below, the natural rise. Sheep welfare should always be of paramount concern in all circumstances, when considering whether or not a sheep should be clipped or not.

Members are reminded that no artificial colouring, dying, dressing, trimming, brushing, washing, or carding, is permitted. Manual removal of vegetable matter, sawdust, bedding, etc., is acceptable, as is dagging. Cleaning of small areas of stained wool, legs, and faces, is permitted.

We would remind exhibitors that Shetland Sheep should always be shown in a "natural state"; the above guidelines aim to define this term, and give clear guidance on what is acceptable to enable sheep to be presented at their best in a public show environment.

What we do

The mission of the Shetland Sheep Society is to promote all aspects of the breed, to encourage the breeding, keeping and welfare of Shetland Sheep and to uphold the 1927 Breed Standard, within the UK.

We do this by exhibiting our sheep, their wool and craft products, at shows and events all over the UK.

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The Shetland Sheep Society on-line flock book is hosted by Grassroots & gives members access to the latest data on flocks and individual pedigrees, common ancestors and progeny of every registered Shetland Sheep in the UK.

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