Australian Wool Innovation Limited (AWI) made point, that the autumn lambing season beginning in May provides an ideal opportunity for mulesing contractors to start the process of gaining the accreditation they will need to continue working next year, and they are being urged to attend courses currently being organised.
People completing the new courses will be assured of accreditation under the National Mulesing Accreditation Program (NMAP), which has been developed to ensure best husbandry practice for surgical mulesing is conducted until the practice is phased out in 2010.
NMAP is part of a commitment made in a 'Compact' signed between the Australian Wool and Sheep Industry Taskforce (Taskforce) and international retailers concerned about animal welfare, and is being supporting by Australian Wool Innovation Limited (AWI).
“The Compact sets out in writing the necessary commitments and assurances the retailers need in order to meet their corporate social responsibility and customer requirements in the face of pressure from activists about mulesing,” said Taskforce spokesman and President of national woolgrower group WoolProducers, Robert Pietsch.
"Retailers now understand that mulesing cannot be stopped immediately because of the significant negative impact that would have on the welfare of Merino sheep, and that the industry has a realistic plan to find alternatives,” Mr Pietsch said.
“They expressed their strong preference that in the meantime, contractors performing mulesing be formally trained and accredited for the task, and we are meeting our commitment.”
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