Farmed Animals

Sheep Welfare in Wool Production

Wool production raises welfare concerns about shearing practices, mustering, and selective breeding for excessive wool growth.

Key Facts

Merino sheep bred for fine wool have skin folds increasing flystrike risk
Speed shearing competitions prioritize pace over animal welfare
Undercover investigations have documented rough handling during shearing globally
Sheep shearing must occur annually in domesticated breeds as wool does not self-limit

Welfare Considerations

Sheep welfare in wool production depends significantly on shearing technique and handling. Rushed shearing causes cuts, rough handling, and extreme stress. Selective breeding for excessive fleece has created animals unable to survive without annual human intervention. Mulesing, dehorning, and tail docking without pain relief are standard practices. Welfare-certified wool requires trained shearers and pain management protocols.

What You Can Do

Choose wool certified under welfare-audited schemes
Support initiatives training shearers in low-stress handling techniques
Reduce wool consumption given industry-wide welfare challenges
Advocate for mandatory pain management in all sheep husbandry procedures