Farmed Animals

Sheep Welfare in Mulesing

Mulesing is a surgical procedure performed on Merino sheep without anesthesia to prevent flystrike, causing significant acute pain.

Key Facts

Mulesing removes skin from around the tail of Merino lambs
It is performed without anesthesia in most cases in Australia
Australia produces 90% of the world's Merino wool
Flystrike, which mulesing prevents, is also extremely painful
Multiple major wool brands have committed to mulesing-free sourcing

Welfare Considerations

Mulesing causes intense acute pain during the procedure and for weeks afterward as the wounds heal. Lambs show pain indicators including reduced activity, abnormal postures, and elevated cortisol for up to three weeks. Alternative methods including chemical treatments and selective breeding for plain-bodied sheep exist but adoption has been slow due to economic considerations.

What You Can Do

Choose mulesing-free wool certified products
Support brands that have committed to mulesing-free sourcing timelines
Advocate for mandatory pain relief in mulesing when the practice occurs
Support selective breeding programs for flystrike-resistant sheep