By Anna Vidot – ABC Rural

New draft standards for welfare in sheep and cattle production have just been released for public comment.

Developed in close consultation with industry, as well as government and animal welfare representatives, the comprehensive Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines propose some changes to current accepted practice.

In particular, they suggest pain-relief should be used when mulesing sheep, and when castrating or dehorning cattle that are older than six months.  READ MORE