Why All the Fuss?

the reason your sheep didnt shed there wool is because they are Whiltshire X if people do wish to have sheep but dont like the shearing aspect then there are naturally shedding sheep available they are Dorpers or Whiltshire horn just make sure you go to a proper breeder.

When talking to people who agree with you, it's much easier to be blunt. Rereading this, I thought it worth pointing out, I would rarely ask someone directly "How would you feel about mutilating an animal without pain relief?"
That could come across as very argumentative/confrontational? I've always found it much better to sound like you're on the same side of the discussion. If they'd just told me they wouldn't have a problem killing an animal, I'd more likely say something like:

"I can understand that. There are a lot of people, who if faced with the need could probably do that. Unfortunately, for many animals their death is mild compared to some of the things they have to endure in their life. For example, did you know that piglets have their tails and balls cut off without pain relief. Or the one that really gets me, is that they have their teeth cut or ground down to the marrow inside. Can you imagine having major dental surgery without pain relief? How does that sit with you?"

Hey Jesse,
I just heard this song & it made me think of what you said about avoiding the 'animal & human equality' debate (belief) & relating to people on the facts of animal suffering & pain

We're never gonna win the world
We're never gonna stop the war
We're never gonna beat this
If belief is what we're fighting for



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7iHoN5CGYew&feature=fvst

answer a question with a question, excellent technique... i use it all the time.

The main reason that tails are docked from lambs is to stop fly strike.

I think most of you have have missed the most valid reason to shear sheep and its for there welfare.

1. The most important reason is to prevent fly strike and if any of you have seen the results of fly strike im sure you will agree that shearing them is much kinder.

2. Prevention of casting when fat sheep particulary crossbreds have a full fleece they tend to lie down on there sides when they roll they basically create a wedge of wool on both edges preventing them from getting back on there feet.  If this happens they are susceptible to crows pecking there eyes out or foxes eating there backsides.