“The industry is well on track to meet its commitment to retailers but stopping mulesing now, without effective alternatives, would leave so many sheep susceptible to a painful, horrible death from being eaten by maggots,” Mr Hamblin said.
The Australian industry's research and development body, Australian Wool Innovation (AWI), has a program that is developing viable and effective alternatives to be delivered by the end of 2010.
“Mulesing is supported as necessary by the RSPCA, the Australian Veterinary Association and the Australian Government. Even PETA has agreed to a moratorium to not target retailers until the end of 2010.” he said.