Global fashion giant H&M has reportedly phased out wool from Australian mulesed sheep from its global inventory, according to animal welfare group Four Paws.
Mulesing is a practice undertaken by farmers to prevent sheep from dying of flystrike, with Australia one of the only countries still practicing the method. Mulesing involves cutting off the folds of skin from the tail area of a sheep.
There are other alternatives to preventing flystrike, including selective breeding for more flystrike-resistant sheep, use of chemicals and controlling fly populations.
There is also research being undertaken to develop a flystrike vaccine.
H&M cemented its position in 2019 by signing the Four Paws’ Brand Letter of Intent against the procedure, which Four Paws calls “live lamb cutting”. Today all wool sold by the retailer is either fully certified to animal welfare standards or recycled.
“This is a clear warning bell for the Australian wool industry,” Four Paws Australia programs lead Louise Ward said.
“Global brands are no longer accepting wool from lambs that have been subjected to live cutting. With over 330 brands worldwide committing to end live lamb cutting by 2030, the clock is ticking — and the industry must transition to a future free from the barbaric practice.”
It is estimated that around 80 per cent of Australia’s total wool production comes from mulesed sheep.
According to Four Paws, another clear red flag for the industry and Australian wool growers are policy shifts in Europe to ensure animal welfare through trade is a major policy focus.
“Brands want wool that has not been subjected to live lamb cutting, and they’re willing to go elsewhere — or switch to alternative materials — if Australia can’t provide it,” Ward said. “The message is simple: adapt or be left behind.”