Mulesing and Merino

A vegan friend of mine doesn't go to the Maryland Sheep and Wool festival.  One reason is treating sheep as a commodity.  Another reason is the mistreatment of sheep during the shearing process.  I've watched the sheep shearing competition and to me it doesn't compare to the abuse suffered by sheep that undergo mulesing.  This surgical procedure removes a crescent-shaped slice of skin from the sheep's backside and  tail stump.

In Australia, Merino sheep are raised to satisfy the demand for merino wool that is used in all types of garments and sold in stores as yarn.  The Merino has been bred to have more skin to produce more fleece and yield more profit.  The result is wrinkled skin susceptible to "flystrike" that can produce inflammation, general systemic toxaemia, and even death.  Flystrike occurs when blowfly eggs laid on the skin of the sheep hatch into larvae, which feed on the sheep’s tissue. Mulesing may prevent flystrikes; however, it may also cause infection and cannot prevent flystrikes on other parts of the sheep's body.

Sheep after mulesing.

Five years ago, P!nk made this video about mulesing.  It has disturbing images of mulesing and the eventual export of sheep to slaughter.  I am now keenly focused on avoiding merino, especially if it is sourced from Australia. 

 


This video presents one rancher's perspective.  He posted the video in December 2012.