What is mulesing-free wool?

PETA Approved, Cruelty Free, ZQ and RWS (Responsible Wool Standard), Mulesing free,... We get a bit lost among these labels, don't we? One thing is certain: they all have one thing in common: respect for animals. Today, we decided to talk to you about a label that is close to our hearts: mulesing-free. This label concerns merino sheep, you know those big fluffy sheep that allow us to have super soft sweaters and scarves?

No, you don't see? Those ones, look...

Merino wool, a quality wool

Merino wool is perfect wool for facing winter: warm yet lightweight, it is extremely soft. It's its exceptionally fine fibers that give it this softness and its reputation. We can also simply say it's magical wool. You don't believe us? Well, figure that merino wool absorbs 35% of its own weight in moisture, without appearing wet. If that's not magical... A garment or accessory made with this wool won't make you sweat, so you can be at ease. It's also a wool that neutralizes odors and has an antibacterial effect. It's such prized wool that some merino breeders are ready to do anything not to lose a single fiber. That's why some practice mulesing on merino sheep.

Mulesing, what is it?

Originally, mulesing is a merino sheep breeding technique that aims to prevent myiasis (a disease that merino catches and which is characterized by the subcutaneous presence of fly larvae). This disease would affect the merino's health and therefore the quality of the wool. Breeders would practice mulesing to preserve wool quality. That said, this practice is totally contrary to the animal's welfare. It actually consists of mutilating the skin around the sheep's tail to avoid treating myiasis. The consequences are dramatic (we'll spare you the sordid details) on the animals, which even if healing goes well, keep a trauma from it.

Does mulesing still exist?

You might wonder if this technique is still practiced. Well, the answer is yes. Don't worry, this completely barbaric technique is strictly forbidden in Europe. The only place where mulesing is still practiced is in Oceania. Banned since 2018 in New Zealand, Australia, known as the birthplace of merino, still holds delicate debates on this subject. Australian farms defend this practice. Indeed, in August of last year the Australian wool producers' union opposed a law aimed at eliminating mulesing by 2022.

And what about mulesing-free?

You will have understood that mulesing-free means not practicing mulesing on sheep and therefore guaranteeing the well-being of merinos, whether mental or physical. And besides that, a healthy and happy sheep will always have more beautiful wool, right?

And what about us? We offer you crew neck sweaters in mulesing-free merino wool.