Farm Animals

Welfare of Animals in the Wool Industry

Wool production involves husbandry practices including shearing, mulesing, and transport that have significant welfare implications for sheep globally.

Key Facts

Australia produces about 25% of the world fine merino wool supply
Mulesing removes skin around the breech area without anesthesia in many operations
Shearing when done correctly is low-welfare-impact but poor technique causes injuries
Wool sheep that are not shorn suffer from heat stress and wool-related health problems
The Responsible Wool Standard certifies farms meeting welfare criteria

Welfare Considerations

Wool production welfare depends heavily on husbandry quality. Mulesing without pain relief is the most significant welfare issue in Australian production. Consumer demand for RWS-certified wool is driving adoption of pain relief and alternatives to mulesing.

What You Can Do

Choose wool products certified by the Responsible Wool Standard
Avoid conventional Australian merino unless specifically certified cruelty-free
Support campaigns for mandatory pain relief in mulesing procedures
Donate to organizations researching alternatives to mulesing for flystrike prevention