Sheep Mulesing and Alternative Wool Production

Mulesing — removing strips of skin from around a sheep's breech — causes acute suffering and is controversial globally. Understanding the practice and its alternatives helps consumers make informed choices.

Key Facts

Mulesing is performed without analgesia in most Australian operations; approximately 70% of Australian Merinos are still mulesed
The procedure involves cutting strips of wool-bearing skin from around the breech area to prevent flystrike (blowfly strike)
Flystrike itself causes severe suffering: blowfly larvae burrow into skin and flesh, potentially killing the animal within days
Merino sheep have been bred for wrinkled skin that collects moisture and faeces, making them particularly vulnerable to flystrike
New Zealand banned mulesing in 2018; Australia has not, though industry groups have committed to seeking alternatives
Pain-relief products including Tri-Solfen are available and partially adopted but not yet mandatory in Australia
Non-mulesed wool programs exist and are supported by major fashion brands including H&M and Patagonia

Welfare Considerations

Mulesing causes significant acute pain: the procedure involves cutting through skin and flesh without routinely applied anesthetic. The weeks of healing afterward are also painful. Sheep are prey animals that conceal pain, but physiological indicators confirm the suffering caused. The procedure is performed to prevent flystrike, which also causes severe suffering, creating a genuine dilemma between two forms of harm. However, alternatives exist: selective breeding for plain-bodied (less wrinkled) sheep, regular crutching (shearing around the breech), and chemical treatments can effectively prevent flystrike without mulesing. The slow industry adoption of alternatives is a welfare failure that consumer pressure can address.

What You Can Do

Look for non-mulesed wool certification when buying wool clothing — brands including Patagonia and Stella McCartney have commitments
Support campaigns advocating for mandatory pain relief during mulesing in Australia
Ask wool-using clothing brands about their mulesing policies and supply chain standards
Support research into breeding programs that select for plain-bodied Merinos not requiring mulesing
Consider alternatives to Merino wool products from Australia until non-mulesed standards are universal
Support organizations advocating for the phase-out of mulesing and transition to humane alternatives
Educate others about mulesing — consumer awareness is a primary driver of industry change