Victorian producers are now required to administer a registered pain-relieving product if mulesing sheep.
The new provisions, which come into effect from 1 July 2020, have been introduced as part of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (POCTA) Regulations 2019.
The new requirement will ensure better animal welfare outcomes for Victorian sheep and will enhance the reputation of Victoria's sheep industry.
Agriculture Victoria Program Manager Livestock Welfare Compliance, Rachael Holmes said only pain relief products that are registered for use on sheep by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) can be used when mulesing.
"Sheep producers are encouraged to seek advice from a veterinarian or animal health consultant regarding available treatment options for their own situation," she said.
From July 1, infringement notices and fines can be issued to anyone mulesing a sheep without providing pain relief.
Dr Holmes said as with any agricultural or veterinary chemicals used on farm, producers should keep records of the pain-relieving products used.
"Full records of any pain relief products used must be kept," she said.
"Details should include the product trade name, species/location of animals, identification numbers/description, the date the treatment has been applied and the dose rate used."
