Mulesing, the removal of skin folds from merino sheep without anaesthesia, remains controversial. Progress toward alternatives and analgesia use is occurring but the practice continues.
Mulesing causes acute and significant pain as a surgical procedure without anaesthesia, with pain responses lasting at least 48 hours. The development of topical analgesic products has improved welfare for animals undergoing the procedure. However, the welfare-optimal solution is elimination of the practice through breeding for plain-bodied sheep. Consumer and retailer pressure has driven meaningful progress in mulesing rates and analgesia adoption in Australia, demonstrating the power of supply chain welfare requirements.