VICTORIA – New regulations passed in the Australian state of Victoria now mean native sheep producers could be fined as much as AUD$3,300 for surgically mulesing sheep without administering pain relief.
For some time, organisations in Victoria have campaigned to make it a mandatory requirement for farmers to provide pain relief to animals but have been unable to pass an amendment that would update the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (POCTA) Regulations, until now.
Having reached a breakthrough, producers will now need to administer drugs authorised by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority; whilst other new regulations stipulate appropriate wool length.
Having found success, it’s now hoped similar regulations can be introduced across neighbouring state New South Wales which has also expressed its desire to make pain relief a mandatory requirement.
