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Overnight, the RSPCA received cruelty complaints from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) regarding the alleged ill treatment of sheep during shearing in New South Wales and South Australia between August 2013 and March 2014.

The allegations relate to workers beating, kicking and stomping on sheep, and stitching wounds without anaesthetic.

The vision made publicly available by PETA overnight shows sheep being beaten with shearing hand pieces and thrown down a chute. 

Sheep that had been injured during shearing are roughly stitched up. 

RSPCA notes that shearing is stressful for sheep and it should be carried out by trained and competent workers. 

The allegations are serious and will be investigated by RSPCA Inspectors as information comes to hand for potential breaches of the relevant state animal welfare legislation.

Media contact: Elise Meakin, 0419 748 907, emeakin@rspca.org.au

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