Criticism of mulesing misguided

26/10/04
The State Government has backed the need for mulesing as a key animal welfare procedure to minimise blowfly strike in Western Australian sheep flocks.
Agriculture Minister Kim Chance was responding to a protest campaign against the practice by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) group.
"Mulesing is currently the most effective method of providing young sheep with lifelong protection from the risk of flystrike and consequent death," Mr Chance said.

"I question the values of the PETA group. Tens of thousands of children die every day as a result of simple, easily corrected deficiencies like access to clean water.
"But these people are more concerned about an animal welfare practice in the Australian sheep industry. Where are their priorities?
"Opponents of mulesing are misguided and are not considering the considerable pain and distress of an animal suffering flystrike.
"If mulesing were to stop, it would be disastrous for the health and welfare of sheep in Australia. Without mulesing, blowflies would kill up to three million sheep in years when hot and wet conditions are conducive to flystrike."
Mulesing is an essential sheep husbandry practice, where excess wool-bearing skin is removed from the breech area of young sheep to prevent fly strike.
This is where blowflies lay eggs on the skin of sheep and hatch as maggots to infest the sheep, eating into the skin and releasing toxins that kill.
"Each year producers invest millions of dollars to improve and manage the health and nutrition of their animals. The good health and care of an animal is directly linked to producing a high quality fleece," the Minister said.

The WA Department of Agriculture is supporting a national mulesing accreditation program that started this year to promote best practice standards for mulesing to contractors and producers. To date, 13 operators have been accredited.
The three-year project, funded by Australian Wool Innovation, involves collaboration between the Department of Agriculture, Livestock Contractors Association and NSW Agriculture with support from other State agricultural agencies.
Development of a permanent wool loss treatment based on natural proteins is well advanced and if successful will be commercially available within the next two years.
Minister's office: 9213 6700