Sheep bred for wool production have been selected for continuous fleece growth that requires regular shearing, with welfare during shearing and the welfare of wool sheep in systems that prioritize fiber production over animal welfare varying significantly.
Wool production welfare involves the mandatory nature of shearing for modern wool breeds — animals that cannot self-shed require annual human removal of their fleece. When done well by skilled shearers using stress-minimizing technique, shearing is a welfare-neutral necessary management procedure. When done poorly, it causes lacerations, stress, and trauma. The welfare of wool sheep throughout their year — including pasture management, parasite control, and lambing care — extends far beyond the annual shearing event. The mulesing issue specific to Australian Merino production represents a welfare challenge addressed elsewhere in this site. Consumer awareness that wool has welfare implications beyond the shearing moment itself is an important component of informed textile purchasing.