New Zealand’s wool industry is about to become more ethical after the country’s government banned the practice of mulesing sheep, with businesses facing a fine of up to NZ$25,000 (US$16,484) for a breach.
The legislation, made under the Animal Welfare (Care and Procedures) Act makes the surgical removal of a sheep’s breach, tail skin folds or tail skin wrinkles a criminal offense. The ban comes into effect from 1 October.
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The government has said it will impose a fine of up to NZ$5,000 for an individual, and NZ$25,000 for a business found in breach of the legislation.
Mulesing is a common practice among sheep farmers involving cutting of a portion of skin from a sheep’s backside to prevent flystrike.
New Zealand began phasing out mulesing in 2007 following pressure by animal rights activists regarding animal cruelty in wool production. People for Ethical Treatment for Animals (PETA) was reportedly a big driving force behind the successful passing of this ban.
PETA Australia has welcomed the move by the New Zealand government but suggested more needs to be done in Australia to address the practice, which continues.
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“In Australia, it’s been more than a decade since the wool industry’s peakbody –ironically named Australian Wool Innovation Limited – promised to fast-track the industry away from mulesing. And yet, more than 80% of our country’s wool producers continue this barbaric practice, most of them without offering any pain relief,” the group said.
“Cruelty-free fashion that doesn’t harm a hair, a strand of fur, or a feather on an animal’s head is the way of the future.”
Reports have suggested a non-surgical mulesing alternative is being developed for Australasia by Victoria-based vet John Steinfort, known as a cryogenic breeching procedure, which has been nine years in the making.
