Every year millions of Australian merino lambs continue to suffer the painful and archaic animal mutilation practice of live lamb cutting (also known as ‘mulesing’). Live lamb cutting is the process whereby lambs just 2-12 weeks old (1), are restrained on their backs, while strips of skin are cut away from around their buttocks. This causes lambs excruciating pain, fear, and stress, and it's legal to carry out this procedure without adequate pain relief.
Live lamb cutting poses significant risks, including death (2), exacerbating Australia's already alarming lamb mortality rate.
The solution to live lamb cutting exists: breeding flystrike-resistant sheep, a humane and effective alternative that is already in use. Thousands of wool growers are breeding sheep that do not need to be live lamb cut.
Let's stand up for fairness and respect for animals. Sign this petition today to demand governments and fashion brands take action to end live lamb cutting and ensure higher welfare to create a future where animals are treated with kindness.
Learn more about the issue and how to make a difference here.
Please sign and call on brands and governments to end live lamb cutting and to better protect lambs.
References:
1. Tail docking and mulesing | Meat & Livestock Australia. MLA Corporate. [accessed 2024 Feb 1]. www.mla.com.au
2. Evans I, Lawton P, Sergeant E, Lloyd J. Effect of plastic occlusive clips used as an alternative to mulesing on breech conformation, body weight and survival of Merino lambs. Australian Veterinary Journal. 2012;90(3):88–96. doi:10.1111/j.1751-0813.2011.00890.x
Image: ABC Rural