The Wool Industry and Sheep Welfare

Wool production affects hundreds of millions of sheep worldwide, with welfare concerns ranging from shearing injuries to lamb mortality, live export, and end-of-life slaughter.

Key Facts

Approximately 1.2 billion sheep are raised for wool globally
Modern Merinos have been bred to produce so much wool they require annual shearing
Sheep can suffer heat stress, hypothermia, and injury if shearing is delayed or botched
Lamb mortality rates on extensive farms can reach 15-20% in harsh conditions
Most wool sheep are eventually slaughtered for meat at end of productive life
Certified humane wool schemes exist but cover only a small fraction of global production

Welfare Considerations

Wool is often perceived as a benign animal product because shearing is necessary for heavily bred Merinos, but welfare issues are pervasive throughout the sheep industry. Shearing injuries from rushed or unskilled work cause pain and distress. Lamb mortality on extensive properties reflects insufficient husbandry investment. Transportation to slaughter can involve long journeys in adverse conditions. Certified humane wool standards address some concerns but are not universally adopted. Consumers seeking low-impact wool should prioritise certified products from small-scale, pasture-based operations. Reducing overall wool consumption and choosing durable certified alternatives also helps.

What You Can Do

Choose Responsible Wool Standard or equivalent certified wool products
Support brands with transparent wool supply chain commitments
Reduce wool purchases and prioritise durability and second-hand clothing
Advocate for improved live export regulations affecting wool sheep
Donate to organisations working on farmed sheep welfare standards