STATEWIDE: End sheep dipping, says MLC
Northern Victoria MLC Georgie Purcell (pictured) wants to see an end to sheep dipping.
“Sheep dipping, also known as plunge or cage dipping, is a little-known farming practice where sheep are herded onto an inescapable lowering platform and fully submerged in a formulated solution to prevent parasites,” Ms Purcell said in a question to Agriculture Minister Ros Spence.
“ Sheep dipping can result in asphyxiation or suffocation from sheep getting trapped or overwhelmed in the dip solution, and unlike other jurisdictions, you do not need a licence to dip sheep in Victoria and only a voluntary code of practice exists.
“Like many other agricultural practices, sheep dipping is designed with economics, not welfare, at the forefront, allowing for more sheep to be treated in the fastest time possible despite them not being able to swim or hold their breath for long periods.
“There are equally, if not more, effective alternatives, such as injecting sheep with ivermectin or other injectables, but they are rarely utilised, as it requires treating individual sheep rather than as a group. Will the minister take the opportunity to end sheep dipping in the new Animal Care and Protection Bill, which this government promised nine years ago but have allowed to languish on a desk, and replace it with these humane alternatives?”