# Australian sheep welfare reform advocacy

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/australian-sheep-welfare-reform-advocacy
> Updated: 2026-08-13T20:00:00.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 3.

The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) has updated its policy to advocate for a gradual phase-out of mulesing, alongside the implementation of mandatory pain management for sheep. This updated stance follows more than a year of consultation with stakeholders, including the RSPCA and various farmers.

While the AVA is not calling for an immediate ban, the policy emphasizes the necessity of an acceptable transition period. To mitigate suffering during this shift, the association suggests prioritizing the accelerated breeding of sheep naturally resistant to flystrike. 

The proposal has met with resistance from wool producers, who argue that a total ban on mulesing could jeopardize the economic viability of Australia’s Merino industry. Professor Peter Windsor, president of the AVA’s sheep, camelid, and goats special interest group, noted that the policy reflects a “diversity of strong opinions within the community.”

## Timeline

### 2026-08-13: Australian Veterinary Association proposes phase-out of mulesing

The Australian Veterinary Association is advocating for a gradual phase-out of mulesing and mandatory pain relief for sheep, sparking debate over the future of the Merino wool industry.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/australian-veterinary-association-proposes-phase-out-of-mulesing

### 2026-08-11: Australian Veterinary Association calls for mulesing phase-out

The Australian Veterinary Association has called for a phase-out of mulesing, advocating for genetic selection of flystrike-resistant sheep over live lamb cutting.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/australian-veterinary-association-calls-for-mulesing-phase-out

### 2026-07-29: Australian sheepmeat industry rolls out cuts‑based MSA program

Meat Standards Australia has introduced a cuts‑based grading system for lamb, hogget and mutton at Gundagai, enabling quality segregation and branded products, according to professor Peter McGilchrist.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/australian-sheepmeat-industry-rolls-out-cutsbased-msa-program

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Cite as: Australian sheep welfare reform advocacy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/australian-sheep-welfare-reform-advocacy