Annual shearing is necessary for most domestic sheep breeds whose wool grows continuously. The welfare implications of shearing depend heavily on shearer skill, sheep handling and the conditions in which shearing takes place.
Shearing welfare is primarily a function of stockperson skill and motivation. A skilled, welfare-conscious shearer minimises cuts, uses calm handling, completes shearing efficiently and avoids shearing in adverse weather. An unskilled or rushed shearer causes unnecessary injury and stress. For consumers, wool from farms with shearer training requirements and welfare standards provides more assurance than unverified sources. The mulesing debate is more complex, involving a genuine welfare trade-off between surgical pain and the chronic suffering of flystrike — alternatives including selective breeding and topical prevention are progressively replacing mulesing in some markets.