Over 100 Fashion Giants Pledge To End Mulesing-Cruel Live Lamb Cutting
Four years after its inception, the global movement to end mulesing—also known as live lamb cutting—marked a significant milestone as it garnered the 100th signature of support from international fashion brands.
Rhea, New Look, and Active Brands are the latest companies to sign the Brand Letter of Intent, initiated by the global animal welfare organization FOUR PAWS. Their support sends a powerful message in favor of animal welfare within the fashion industry, reinforcing the growing demand for change.
The campaign to end this brutal practice is gaining unprecedented momentum, with 100 global fashion brands, including well-known names such as Zara, Patagonia, and Hugo Boss, publicly committing to exclude wool sourced from mulesing by signing the FOUR PAWS Brand Letter of Intent. The signatories call on the Australian wool industry to stop the practice by 2030 and transition to industry-proven, more humane alternatives.
By signing this letter, these fashion brands pledge to either fully eliminate wool sourced from live lamb cutting or ensure that they will do so by the 2030 deadline. Their collective action is a clear message to the Australian wool industry that it is time to transition to certified, mulesing-free wool. As more companies join the movement, the pressure on Australia to embrace humane practices continues to build.
“This global wave of support is a clear message. It is time for a kind solution to a global problem. The wool industry must evolve to meet the demands of modern brands and consumers who ask for cruelty free fashion. It is time for all stakeholders to come together, and push for an industry-wide change, and for an end to this cruel practice to ensure a kinder future for millions of lambs in the wool industry,” said Rebecca Picallo Gil, wool campaign lead at FOUR PAWS.
Australia produces 80% of the fine merino wool used in the global fashion market, and it is the only country where mulesing is still legally and commonly practiced. The procedure involves cutting large strips of skin from the hindquarters of lambs aged between two and twelve weeks old, without adequate pain relief. This causes severe pain, fear, and stress.
The justification for mulesing has been to prevent flystrike, a condition caused by fly infestation. However, there are proven alternatives that eliminate the need for this cruel procedure. Research suggests that plain-bodied sheep not only prevent flystrike but are also associated with higher lamb survival rates.
The growing number of companies advocating for change is sending a strong message to the Australian wool industry: it’s time to adopt kinder, more sustainable practices that protect animal welfare. With the 2030 deadline in sight, pressure is mounting for the industry to transition away from mulesing and toward more humane, sustainable wool production.
