Mulesing — surgical removal of skin folds around the breech of Merino sheep — is controversial. Its welfare trade-offs and available alternatives are at the centre of an ongoing industry debate.
Mulesing without anaesthesia causes significant acute pain — this is not disputed. The welfare justification is that the procedure prevents fly strike, which causes greater suffering. This is a genuine trade-off, but it does not justify performing the procedure without analgesia when pain relief is available. The welfare path forward involves mandatory pain management for any mulesing that continues, parallel investment in genetic selection for reduced breech wrinkle, and market incentives rewarding non-mulesed wool. The New Zealand experience demonstrates that the industry can adapt — the transition requires commitment from brands, retailers, and farmers.