Farm Animal Welfare

Sheep Mulesing Reform and Pain Management

Mulesing — surgically removing skin folds around the hindquarters of Merino sheep — prevents flystrike but causes significant pain. Alternatives including pain relief and genetics-based solutions are changing practice.

Key Facts

Mulesing is performed without anesthesia on approximately 10 million Australian sheep annually
The procedure prevents flystrike by removing skin folds attractive to blow flies
New Zealand banned mulesing in 2018 through an industry-led phaseout
Local anesthetic application and NSAID use significantly reduce mulesing pain
Flystrike-resistant Merino genetics from selective breeding can eliminate the need for mulesing

Welfare Considerations

Mulesing without pain relief causes acute and post-procedural pain lasting several days. It is preventable both through analgesic protocols and through transition to flystrike-resistant sheep genetics. The New Zealand phaseout demonstrates commercial viability. Australian wool producers face pressure from major fashion brands to phase out mulesing or implement mandatory pain relief. Consumer and brand pressure has been the most effective driver of change.

What You Can Do

Choose wool products from brands committed to non-mulesed or pain-relief mulesed wool
Support Responsible Wool Standard and ZQ Merino certified products
Ask wool apparel brands about their mulesing policy and timelines
Advocate for mandatory pain relief as a minimum standard for any remaining mulesing procedures