Animal Welfare in the Wool Industry

Wool production involves welfare risks at shearing and in the conditions of wool-producing sheep. The degree of harm varies enormously by country, farm size, and operator practice.

Key Facts

Approximately 1 billion sheep are kept for wool production globally — Australia, China, and New Zealand dominate
Mulesing — removing skin around the tail to prevent flystrike — is practiced on approximately 70% of Australian merino sheep
Mulesing without anaesthetic causes acute and chronic pain — it is performed with secateurs on 6-12 week old lambs
The Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) prohibits mulesing and requires welfare certification across the supply chain
New Zealand banned mulesing in 2018 — Australia has resisted bans but increased pressure for alternatives is growing
Flystrike prevention alternatives including targeted selective breeding, breeding for bare-breech traits, and chemical prevention are commercially available

Welfare Considerations

Wool welfare is dominated by the mulesing debate in Merino-producing countries but extends to general flock management, shearing quality, and transport conditions. Mulesing is the most welfare-damaging routine practice in the industry — painful, performed without adequate analgesia, and with alternatives available. The Responsible Wool Standard provides a consumer-facing certification but has limited market penetration and variable enforcement. The welfare-optimal response is supporting the transition to non-mulesed, RWS-certified wool while reducing overall wool consumption where possible.

What You Can Do

Choose RWS-certified wool products and brands that have committed to sourcing non-mulesed wool
Ask wool brands specifically about mulesing practices in their Australian supply chains
Support campaigns for a legislative ban on mulesing without anaesthetic in Australia
Explore plant-based and recycled textile alternatives to wool where appropriate
Share information about mulesing with anyone who considers wool inherently ethical