A dozen lambs’ tails washed up on Albany’s Middleton Beach as DPIRD calls for proper disposal of animal waste

Mystery surrounds the appearance of lambs’ tails on Middleton Beach, with several spotted in the stretch between Griffiths Street and Emu Point.

About a dozen appeared to have washed up on the beach last week.

It seems likely the tails were docked to prevent flystrike, when flies lay eggs in manure-soiled wool.

Flystrike can be fatal, and the docking procedure is usually done within the first two to eight weeks of life.

A Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development spokesperson said sheep owners should dispose of the tails properly.

“Owners of sheep should always dispose of offal or by-products using an appropriate method and in a suitable location,” they said.

“Sheep owners are advised to adhere to State and local government regulations and legal requirements for the safe disposal of waste.”

Scott Reitsma, the City of Albany’s manager of public health and safety, said the dumping of waste could attract penalties but he had no information regarding the source of the tails found.