Mulesing is a surgical procedure removing skin from around sheep's hindquarters to prevent flystrike, raising significant welfare concerns.
Mulesing causes acute pain from cutting away skin and underlying tissue without anesthesia, followed by days of post-operative pain. Lambs show behavioral changes including reduced movement and eating indicating ongoing pain. The procedure also leaves wounds vulnerable to infection. While it prevents blowfly strike, alternatives are available and the welfare cost is significant. Many major retailers have committed to sourcing non-mulesed wool.