Mulesing - cutting skin around the breech of Merino sheep to prevent flystrike - has been one of the most controversial animal welfare practices in Australian wool production. Alternatives are increasingly available and adoption is growing.
Mulesing without pain relief causes genuine acute suffering for a procedure that protects against future suffering. The welfare calculation is complex - untreated flystrike causes severe pain and death, and protection from it has real welfare value. However, breeding for plain-bodied sheep eliminates the need for mulesing entirely and is the most welfare-positive long-term direction. Mandatory pain relief for any mulesing performed represents minimum welfare progress while the industry transitions away from the practice entirely.