MEMBERS of the New England Australian Alpaca Association are concerned that the breed’s welfare needs are not being met and are holding a welfare information session on Sunday 26 May.
Alpaca numbers have grown across a variety of settings including herd guards on sheep properties, on hobby farms and as pets with owners of these animals unaware of the welfare needs and responsibilities of owning an Alpaca.
They are now also being sold between non-breeders and non-breeders, sometimes without the required information being passed on as it would be from an experienced registered alpaca breeder.
During the heatwave last summer it was evident that many alpacas had not been shorn and were therefore suffering.
Owners of alpacas also need to know about drenching and vaccination needs, nutritional requirements, teeth and nail care, as well as safe handling. There are also a number of mandatory requirements that need to be met including the upcoming NLIS, the need for PIC numbers, and biosecurity and livestock transport regulations.
The New England Branch of the Australian Alpaca Association will be holding a free Alpaca Welfare Information Session on Sunday 26 May between 2pm and 4.30pm.
The information session will be held at the property of Barry and Anne Hambrook, Hilldale Park Alpacas, 52 Budumba Road, Invergowrie. For directions please phone 6775 2510. For further information and to RSVP please call Kevin Mead, 0418 221 167 or 67752524 (evenings) or email koorana01@bigpond.com
