United Pet Club

Halekupering (landbrugsdyr): the law by country

Where it is banned, allowed only under conditions or permitted. Each rule names its law and links to the source.

How Halekupering (landbrugsdyr) is regulated across 20 places
  • Forbudt: 1 place
  • Begrænset: 20 places

Australien

Whole country

BegrænsetFår

Ikke lov i sig selv; hver stat bestemmer (obligatorisk i QLD, SA, TAS pr. april 2026). Standarder: kyndig udfører; over 6 måneder kræves smertelindring og blødningskontrol; efterlad en stump med mindst et føleligt frit led.

Machine translation: the English text is the record. Show the English

Not law by itself; each state decides (mandatory in QLD, SA, TAS as of April 2026). Standards: skilled operator; over 6 months old needs pain relief and haemorrhage control; leave a stump with at least one palpable free joint.

Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for Sheep (endorsed January 2016), S6.1 to S6.3Checked 4. nov. 2026

Queensland

BegrænsetFår

Obligatorisk kodeks ifølge den nationale standardiseringsorganisation. Vi har læst den nationale tekst, ikke forskriften: kyndig udfører; over 6 måneder kræves smertelindring og blødningskontrol; mindst et føleligt frit led bevares.

Machine translation: the English text is the record. Show the English

Mandatory code per the national standards body. We read the national text, not the regulation: skilled operator; over 6 months old needs pain relief and haemorrhage control; at least one palpable free joint left.

Animal Care and Protection Regulation 2012 (Qld), national Sheep Standards as a code of practiceIn force since 1. jul. 2021Checked 4. nov. 2026

South Australia

BegrænsetFår

Fra 6 måneders alderen kræves et smertestillende middel eller bedøvelse og behandling af blødning; efterlad en stump med mindst et føleligt frit led. Animal Welfare Act 2025 (SA), som ikke var i kraft den 2026-11-04, ophæver disse forskrifter, når den træder i kraft.

Machine translation: the English text is the record. Show the English

From 6 months old needs an analgesic or anaesthetic and haemorrhage treatment; leave a stump with at least one palpable free joint. The Animal Welfare Act 2025 (SA), not in operation on 2026-11-04, will repeal these regulations when it starts.

Animal Welfare Regulations 2012 (SA), r 77In force since 15. apr. 2017Checked 4. nov. 2026

Tasmania

BegrænsetFår

Over 6 måneder kræves smertelindring og foranstaltninger mod blødning; efterlad mindst et led, der rager ud fra sædet, medmindre en dyrlæge er overbevist om, at fjernelse af alle led er i fårets bedste interesse.

Machine translation: the English text is the record. Show the English

Over 6 months old needs pain relief and steps against haemorrhage; leave at least one joint protruding from the rump, unless a veterinary surgeon is satisfied removing all joints is in the sheep's best interests.

Animal Welfare (Sheep) Regulations 2023 (Tas), r 18In force since 12. jul. 2023Checked 4. nov. 2026

Canada

Whole country

BegrænsetFår

National Farm Animal Care Council Code of Practice: en brancherettet kodeks, ikke en lov. NFACC siger, at kodeksens krav i de fleste provinser ikke udtrykkeligt er bindende, men kan være bevis for lidelse. Omtalt i provinsernes lovgivning: vedtaget i NL (NLR 36/12; NLR 35/12 s.15 gør en praksis, som en kodeks forbyder, til en forbudt praksis), foreskrevet i SK (Reg 1 s.3-4), nævnt som forsvar i NB (Reg 2000-4 s.4(2), Sch A) og BC (B.C. Reg. 34/2019, som almindeligt accepteret praksis), accepteret i NS (Act s.28(b)). Beslut træffes ud fra en risiko-/fordelsafvejning for velfærden; kirurgisk kupering og lam over seks uger af en dyrlæge med bedøvelse og smertestillende behandling; ingen gummiringe efter seks uger; ikke kortere end den distale ende af halefolden.

Machine translation: the English text is the record. Show the English

National Farm Animal Care Council Code of Practice: an industry code, not a statute. NFACC says Code requirements are not explicitly binding in most provinces but can be evidence of distress. Referred to in provincial law: adopted in NL (NLR 36/12; NLR 35/12 s.15 makes a practice a code prohibits a prohibited one), prescribed in SK (Reg 1 s.3-4), named as a defence in NB (Reg 2000-4 s.4(2), Sch A) and BC (B.C. Reg. 34/2019, as generally accepted practice), accepted in NS (Act s.28(b)). Decide on a welfare risk/benefit basis; surgical docking and lambs over six weeks by a veterinarian with anesthesia and analgesia; no rubber rings past six weeks; no shorter than the distal end of the caudal fold.

NFACC Code of Practice: Sheep (2013), s.5.7 (industry code, not a statute)Checked 4. nov. 2026

BegrænsetGris

National Farm Animal Care Council Code of Practice: en brancherettet kodeks, ikke en lov. NFACC siger, at kodeksens krav i de fleste provinser ikke udtrykkeligt er bindende, men kan være bevis for lidelse. Omtalt i provinsernes lovgivning: vedtaget i NL (NLR 36/12; NLR 35/12 s.15 gør en praksis, som en kodeks forbyder, til en forbudt praksis), foreskrevet i SK (Reg 1 s.3-4), nævnt som forsvar i NB (Reg 2000-4 s.4(2), Sch A) og BC (B.C. Reg. 34/2019, som almindeligt accepteret praksis), accepteret i NS (Act s.28(b)). Over 7 dages alderen med smertekontrol; siden 2016-07-01 i enhver alder med smertestillende midler.

Machine translation: the English text is the record. Show the English

National Farm Animal Care Council Code of Practice: an industry code, not a statute. NFACC says Code requirements are not explicitly binding in most provinces but can be evidence of distress. Referred to in provincial law: adopted in NL (NLR 36/12; NLR 35/12 s.15 makes a practice a code prohibits a prohibited one), prescribed in SK (Reg 1 s.3-4), named as a defence in NB (Reg 2000-4 s.4(2), Sch A) and BC (B.C. Reg. 34/2019, as generally accepted practice), accepted in NS (Act s.28(b)). Over 7 days of age with pain control; since 2016-07-01 at any age with analgesics.

NFACC Code of Practice: Pigs (2014), s.4.5.3 (industry code, not a statute)Checked 4. nov. 2026

Newfoundland and Labrador

BegrænsetFår

Tilladt kun som tilladt af en kodeks vedtaget i Animal Protection Standards Regulations (NLR 36/12 vedtager NFACC Sheep Code), eller efter en dyrlæges konstatering af skade eller medicinsk nødvendighed.

Machine translation: the English text is the record. Show the English

Allowed only as permitted by a code adopted in the Animal Protection Standards Regulations (NLR 36/12 adopts the NFACC Sheep Code), or on a veterinarian's finding of injury or medical necessity.

Animal Protection Regulations, NLR 35/12, s.8Checked 4. nov. 2026

Danmark

Whole country

BegrænsetFår

Med elastrator på dag 2-7 af livet, af den person, der er ansvarlig for lammet, så der efterlades en stump, der dækker anus og vulva; ellers kun af veterinære grunde, af en dyrlæge.

Machine translation: the English text is the record. Show the English

By elastrator on day 2-7 of life, by the person responsible for the lamb, leaving a stump that covers anus and vulva; otherwise only on veterinary grounds, by a vet.

Bekendtgørelse nr. 631 af 31. maj 2023 om halekupering, kastration og afhorning, ss.2-3In force since 1. jul. 2023Checked 4. nov. 2026

Estland

Whole country

ForbudtFår

Myndigheden oplyser, at afskæring af haler ikke er tilladt på andre dyr end pattegrise. Myndighedens side angiver ingen paragrafnumre; selve loven kunne ikke åbnes (Riigi Teataja kræver en browser med scripts aktiveret), så kontrollér den gældende ordlyd.

Machine translation: the English text is the record. Show the English

The agency says tail cutting is not permitted on animals other than piglets. The agency page cites no section numbers; the statute itself could not be opened (Riigi Teataja needs a script-enabled browser), so check the current wording.

Animal Protection Act (Loomakaitseseadus), as stated by the Agriculture and Food Board (PTA)Checked 4. nov. 2026

BegrænsetGris

Kun hvis kannibalisme bemærkes i besætningen, af hensyn til de andre grises sundhed og velfærd. Myndighedens side angiver ingen paragrafnumre; selve loven kunne ikke åbnes (Riigi Teataja kræver en browser med scripts aktiveret), så kontrollér den gældende ordlyd.

Machine translation: the English text is the record. Show the English

Only if cannibalism is noticed in the herd, for the health and welfare of other pigs. The agency page cites no section numbers; the statute itself could not be opened (Riigi Teataja needs a script-enabled browser), so check the current wording.

Animal Protection Act (Loomakaitseseadus), as stated by the Agriculture and Food Board (PTA)Checked 4. nov. 2026

Irland

Whole country

BegrænsetFår

Gummiring under 8 dage, ellers af en dyrlæge; bevar nok hale til at dække vulva eller anus.

Machine translation: the English text is the record. Show the English

Rubber ring under 8 days, otherwise by a vet; keep enough tail to cover vulva or anus.

Animal Health and Welfare (Operations and Procedures) (No. 2) Regulations 2014 (S.I. 127/2014), Schedule, Part 3In force since 6. mar. 2014Checked 4. nov. 2026

BegrænsetGris

Ikke rutinemæssigt, under 8 dage, på dokumentation for skade og efter en dyrlæges vurdering af bedriftens miljø og ledelse.

Machine translation: the English text is the record. Show the English

Non-routine, under 8 days, on evidence of injury and after a vet's opinion on the premises' environment and management.

Animal Health and Welfare (Operations and Procedures) (No. 2) Regulations 2014 (S.I. 127/2014), Schedule, Part 2In force since 6. mar. 2014Checked 4. nov. 2026

Nederlandene

Whole country

BegrænsetFår

Kun Suffolk, Hampshire Down og Clun Forest, højst 7 dage gamle, med stambogsdokumenter for forældrene; elastikbånd er ikke længere tilladt (RVO).

Machine translation: the English text is the record. Show the English

Suffolk, Hampshire Down and Clun Forest only, not older than 7 days, with stud-book documents of the parents; elastic bands no longer allowed (RVO).

Besluit diergeneeskundigen, ch. 2, art. 2.5Checked 4. nov. 2026

BegrænsetGris

Halespids hos pattegrise, der ikke er ældre end 4 dage, hvor der konstateres skader, og foranstaltninger mod halebid har svigtet.

Machine translation: the English text is the record. Show the English

Tail tip of piglets not older than 4 days, where injuries are found and measures against tail biting failed.

Besluit diergeneeskundigen, ch. 2, art. 2.3Checked 4. nov. 2026

New Zealand

Whole country

BegrænsetFår

Under 6 måneder: kun varmt jern eller gummiring, og ikke kortere end den distale ende af halefolden. Fra 6 måneder: dyrlæge (eller en dyrlægestuderende under tilsyn) med smertelindring. Udføreren skal være uddannet eller erfaren og i stand til at genkende lidelse.

Machine translation: the English text is the record. Show the English

Under 6 months: hot iron or rubber ring only, and no shorter than the distal end of the caudal fold. From 6 months: veterinarian (or supervised veterinary student) with pain relief. The operator must be trained or experienced and able to recognise distress.

Animal Welfare (Care and Procedures) Regulations 2018, r 52AIn force since 9. maj 2021Checked 4. nov. 2026

BegrænsetGris

Under 7 dage: et rent snit, der ikke river væv. Fra 7 dage: dyrlæge (eller en dyrlægestuderende under tilsyn) med smertelindring. Udføreren skal være uddannet eller erfaren og i stand til at genkende lidelse.

Machine translation: the English text is the record. Show the English

Under 7 days: a clean cut that does not tear tissue. From 7 days: veterinarian (or supervised veterinary student) with pain relief. The operator must be trained or experienced and able to recognise distress.

Animal Welfare (Care and Procedures) Regulations 2018, r 52In force since 1. okt. 2018Checked 4. nov. 2026

Slovakiet

Whole country

BegrænsetFår

Små drøvtyggere født i Slovakiet, op til 8 dages alderen. Version af 1. januar 2022; en ændring fra 2025 (307/2025) findes og er ikke kontrolleret.

Machine translation: the English text is the record. Show the English

Small ruminants born in Slovakia, up to 8 days of age. Version of 1 January 2022; a 2025 amendment (307/2025) exists and was not checked.

Act 39/2007 Z.z. on veterinary care, s.22(2)(c)Checked 4. nov. 2026

Storbritannien

England

BegrænsetFår

Der skal bevares nok hale til at dække vulva eller anus. Gummiring eller lignende kun ved 7 dage eller derunder; enhver anden metode kræver bedøvelse.

Machine translation: the English text is the record. Show the English

Enough tail must be kept to cover the vulva or anus. Rubber ring or similar only at 7 days or under; any other method needs an anaesthetic.

SI 2007/1100, Sch. 1 and Sch. 5In force since 6. apr. 2007Checked 4. nov. 2026

BegrænsetGris

Kun efter at miljø- eller driftsforanstaltninger er prøvet, og skader fra halebid stadig dokumenteres; hurtig og fuldstændig gennemskæring; bedøvelse og langvarig smertestillende behandling ved 7 dage eller derover.

Machine translation: the English text is the record. Show the English

Only after environmental or management measures have been tried and tail-biting injury is still evidenced; quick and complete severance; anaesthetic and prolonged analgesia at 7 days or over.

SI 2007/1100, Sch. 1 and Sch. 3In force since 6. apr. 2007Checked 4. nov. 2026

Northern Ireland

BegrænsetFår

Lægmand: bevar nok hale til at dække vulva eller anus; gummiring op til 7 dage; andre midler såsom et varmt kuperingsjern op til 3 måneder.

Machine translation: the English text is the record. Show the English

Lay person: keep enough tail to cover vulva or anus; rubber ring up to 7 days; other means such as a hot docking iron up to 3 months.

Welfare of Animals (Permitted Procedures by Lay Persons) Regulations (NI) 2012 (S.R. 2012/153), Sch. 3In force since 2. apr. 2012Checked 4. nov. 2026

BegrænsetGris

Lægmand: kun efter andre foranstaltninger mod halebid og hvor der stadig opstår skader; op til 7 dage uden bedøvelse, hurtig og fuldstændig gennemskæring.

Machine translation: the English text is the record. Show the English

Lay person: only after other measures against tail-biting and with injuries still occurring; up to 7 days without an anaesthetic, quick and complete severance.

Welfare of Animals (Permitted Procedures by Lay Persons) Regulations (NI) 2012 (S.R. 2012/153), Sch. 2In force since 2. apr. 2012Checked 4. nov. 2026

Scotland

BegrænsetFår

Opdrættede får på landbrugsjord, af hensyn til dyrenes sundhed. Over 3 måneder eller kirurgisk kupering kun af en dyrlæge; bevar nok hale til at dække vulva eller anus.

Machine translation: the English text is the record. Show the English

Farmed sheep on agricultural land, for animal health. Over 3 months, or surgical docking, by a vet only; keep enough tail to cover vulva or anus.

SSI 2010/387, Sch. 4In force since 5. nov. 2010Checked 4. nov. 2026

BegrænsetGris

Opdrættede grise på landbrugsjord, på dokumentation for halevonde efter andre foranstaltninger; hurtig og fuldstændig gennemskæring; over 7 dage kun af en dyrlæge under bedøvelse med langvarig smertestillende behandling.

Machine translation: the English text is the record. Show the English

Farmed pigs on agricultural land, on evidence of tail injuries after other measures; quick and complete severance; over 7 days by a vet only under anaesthetic with prolonged analgesia.

SSI 2010/387, Sch. 2In force since 5. nov. 2010Checked 4. nov. 2026

Wales

BegrænsetFår

Nok hale til at dække vulva eller anus. Gummiring kun ved 7 dage eller derunder; enhver anden metode kræver bedøvelse.

Machine translation: the English text is the record. Show the English

Enough tail to cover vulva or anus. Rubber ring only at 7 days or under; any other method needs an anaesthetic.

WSI 2007/1029, Sch. 5In force since 28. mar. 2007Checked 4. nov. 2026

BegrænsetGris

Kun efter at andre foranstaltninger mod halebid har svigtet; hurtig og fuldstændig gennemskæring; bedøvelse og langvarig smertestillende behandling ved 7 dage eller derover.

Machine translation: the English text is the record. Show the English

Only after other measures against tail-biting failed; quick and complete severance; anaesthetic and prolonged analgesia at 7 days or over.

WSI 2007/1029, Sch. 3In force since 28. mar. 2007Checked 4. nov. 2026

Tjekkiet

Whole country

BegrænsetFår

Lam under 8 dage uden bedøvelse, af en kvalificeret person. Teksten er læst på et juridisk forlags kopi af Act 246/1992 Sb. (senest ændret 1. april 2025), ikke den officielle samling.

Machine translation: the English text is the record. Show the English

Lambs under 8 days without anaesthesia, by a qualified person. Text read on a legal publisher's copy of Act 246/1992 Sb. (last amended 1 April 2025), not the official collection.

Act 246/1992 Sb., s.7(3)(c)Checked 4. nov. 2026

BegrænsetGris

Pattegrise under 7 dage uden bedøvelse, af en kvalificeret person. Teksten er læst på et juridisk forlags kopi af Act 246/1992 Sb. (senest ændret 1. april 2025), ikke den officielle samling.

Machine translation: the English text is the record. Show the English

Piglets under 7 days without anaesthesia, by a qualified person. Text read on a legal publisher's copy of Act 246/1992 Sb. (last amended 1 April 2025), not the official collection.

Act 246/1992 Sb., s.7(3)(c)Checked 4. nov. 2026

Tyskland

Whole country

BegrænsetFår

Uden bedøvelse kun for lam under 8 dage; elastikringe er tilladt for lam.

Machine translation: the English text is the record. Show the English

Without anaesthesia only for lambs under 8 days; elastic rings allowed for lambs.

Tierschutzgesetz, s.5(3) and s.6Checked 4. nov. 2026

BegrænsetGris

Uden bedøvelse kun for pattegrise under 4 dage.

Machine translation: the English text is the record. Show the English

Without anaesthesia only for piglets under 4 days.

Tierschutzgesetz, s.5(3) and s.6Checked 4. nov. 2026

USA

New Jersey

BegrænsetFår

Må udføres af en vidende person efter FASS Guide (2010) og Battaglia's Handbook of Livestock Management (2007). Underafsnit omskrevet med virkning fra 2012-02-06.

Machine translation: the English text is the record. Show the English

May be done by a knowledgeable individual, following the FASS Guide (2010) and Battaglia's Handbook of Livestock Management (2007). Subsection rewritten effective 2012-02-06.

N.J.A.C. 2:8-6.6(d)In force since 6. feb. 2012Checked 4. nov. 2026

BegrænsetGris

Må udføres af en vidende person.

Machine translation: the English text is the record. Show the English

May be done by a knowledgeable individual.

N.J.A.C. 2:8-7.6(d)Checked 4. nov. 2026

Ohio

BegrænsetFår

Acceptabelt, hvis det udføres humant. Den ansvarlige part vælger metode og eventuel smertebehandling under hensyn til alder, vægt, miljø, faciliteter og sikkerhed. Tidligere version fra 2011.

Machine translation: the English text is the record. Show the English

Acceptable if done humanely. The responsible party chooses the method and any pain management, weighing age, weight, environment, facilities and safety. Earlier version from 2011.

Ohio Admin. Code 901:12-12-02In force since 13. feb. 2025Checked 4. nov. 2026

What each status means

Forbudt
Prohibited outright.
Begrænset
Allowed with conditions other than a vet: an age limit, a method, a licence.

The law on other procedures

All procedures and the law