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Sheep growers cut out mulesing
9 Nov 2004
The sheep and wool industry have decided to counter campaigns from animal welfare groups, and promising to phase out the practice of mulesing by 2010.
WoolProducers president Robert Peitsch said the industry would speed up research and development programs to enable an end to mulesing. Peitsch said industry research programs, undertaken by Australian Wool Innovation were looking at alternatives to mulesing, including the use of a protein that removes wool and tightens skin around the breech.
Mulesing involves cutting skin and wool away from the backsides of sheep with shears to counter blowfly infestation. Animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals has been stepping up pressure on the industry over mulesing, as well as the live export trade. PETA convinced upmarket American retailer Abercrombie and Fitch to ban the sale of Australian merino products in protest.
Herald Sun, 09/11/04
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