WoolProducers Australia (WoolProducers) has responded strongly to a report titled “The Broken Promise” released by animal rights groups, including the Australian Alliance for Animals, Humane Society International, and Four Paws.
The report focuses on the term "live lamb cutting," a sensationalised label intended to replace the established terminology of mulesing.
WoolProducers CEO, Ms. Jo Hall, criticised the report, stating, “It’s an interesting approach from groups who are purporting to be serious animal welfare experts and who are seeking a seat at the table with government in animal welfare discussions, to start making up terms.”
Ms Hall emphasised the absurdity of the new terminology, suggesting that if imaginative language is to start being employed, supporters might as well refer to mulesing as “lifetime lamb protection procedure.”
The term "live lamb cutting" has been described as a loaded phrase designed to attract attention and provoke strong emotional responses.
Ms. Hall pointed out, “The term itself is almost laughable and has clearly been workshopped to try and be as dramatic and misleading as possible. The use of the word ‘cutting’ implies a more extensive procedure than what mulesing actually is.”
The report fails to provide the necessary context regarding the practice of mulesing, while also ignoring the widespread use of pain relief.
“The 2024 Annual Report of the Sheep Sustainability Framework states that while 57.7% of producers mules their Merino ewe lambs, a massive 89.7% of those producers use appropriate pain relief when conducting the practice.”
“While pain relief for mulesing is mandatory in Victoria, which was recently joined by Tasmania in making this a requirement, a nearly 90% voluntary uptake of any practice is impressive. This demonstrates that wool growers prioritise animal welfare.”
“WoolProducers are urging other state jurisdictions to catch up to industry standards and legislate pain relief for mulesing.”
By neglecting to address the rationale behind mulesing, the report misleads the public and undermines genuine discussions on animal welfare.
Ms. Hall concluded, “We encourage a rational and informed dialogue on animal welfare, one that is based on facts rather than sensationalism. It is vital that discussions about animal practices remain grounded in reality, ensuring the well-being of livestock while addressing the concerns of the community.”
“These groups have removed any credibility they may have by making up terms and repeating lies and demonstrate that they have no place in genuine discussions about Australia’s livestock industries”.
ENDS
WoolProducers Australia contacts:
Jo Hall Steve Harrison
WoolProducers CEO WoolProducers President
0488 554 811 0427 468 303
About WoolProducers’ Australia
WoolProducers plays a critical role in working closely with companies and entities funded by woolgrower funds including compulsory levies or fees for service.
Its mission is to develop constructive and profitable outcomes for woolgrowers nationally.
The agency is responsible for appointing a director to each of the Australian Wool Exchange and the Australia Wool Testing Authority, promoting good corporate governance and ensuring that the interests of growers are met.
WoolProducers maintains a working relationship with Australian Wool Innovation as the voice of woolgrower shareholders. It aims to contribute to AWI’s programs for the benefit of growers, promoting responsible use of levy funds and ensuring good corporate governance.
WoolProducers is the sole wool industry member of Animal Health Australia, and as such, carries a significant responsibility for decision making on behalf of the industry in the event of an emergency animal disease outbreak.
As the only wool grower organisation with membership of the National Farmers’ Federation, WoolProducers is responsible for providing key policy advice on behalf of our members, and other wool growers, to Australia’s peak farm body.
WoolProducers also works closely with the Federal Government Departments on key issues such as animal health and welfare, biosecurity, pest management control, natural resource management, drought preparedness, emergency animal disease outbreak preparedness and industry development, including research, trade and logistics.
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