| 14
March, 2008
MINISTER REFUSES
TO BAN MULESING IN TASMANIA:
Another Bum
Deal for the Animals
Against Animal Cruelty Tasmania
is disappointed with Minister Llewellyn’s failure to support a ban
on mulesing in Tasmania.
“Once again the minister
has left Tasmania to lag behind when it comes to animal welfare issues.
Other states in Australia are making moves to end mulesing before the
phase out date in 2010, but not Tasmania. This is yet another example
of the minister being out of touch with not only local but global expectations
when it comes to more humane farming practices,” said Jennifer
Beer, Executive Officer for Against Animal Cruelty Tasmania.
The Western Australian Department
of Agriculture announced on Monday, March 10 that it would end mulesing
on its research stations from April this year.
“Even the wool industry
can recognise the importance of banning mulesing practices in Australia.
The NSW Farmers Federation is calling for an immediate end to mulesing
as a result of pressure from European countries,” Ms Beer said.
Sweden’s Agricultural
Minister, Eskil Erlandsson, is lobbying for other countries to join in
a ban on Australian wool. At present, 60 overseas retailers are also considering
a ban on wool from Australian mulesed sheep.
“Mulesing is recognised
around the world as being a cruel procedure. So far, 19 Swedish retailers
and 10 large Danish retailers have joined a boycott on Australian wool
and wool products, and many more retailers are being encouraged to join
the boycott,” said Ms Beer
Mulesing involves the cutting
of a 7 – 5 cm crescent shaped slice of skin from the side of each
buttock area of sheep. More than 20 million merino breed lambs are mulesed
each year in Australia.
“Mulesing is an incredibly
cruel and painful procedure carried out primarily on merino lambs and
it is usually done without the use of anaesthesia. Most of the sheep
also have their tails cut off and the males will be castrated at the
same time. Researchers have found that the wounds resulting from mulesing
can take up to 30 days to heal. The phasing out of mulesing Australia
wide needs to happen very soon. With the number of alternatives now
available to farmers, 2010 is too far away.”
For more information: Contact Jennifer Beer 0408 970 359
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