Mulesing free merino wool

The wool we use is mulesing-free, which means it is sourced without cruelty to animals.

This is guaranteed by the RWS certification (Responsible Wool Standard).

What is mulesing?

Mulesing is a practice used to prevent wool from growing excessively around the rear parts of a sheep’s body. It is intended to protect sheep against infections and flystrike. Flystrike occurs when fly larvae develop in folds of the skin and can pose a serious threat to the sheep’s health, potentially even leading to death.

During mulesing, a strip of skin is removed from around the sheep’s hindquarters together with the wool. The procedure is often performed without anaesthesia.

Research indicates that the pain experienced by sheep during mulesing may be comparable to the pain caused by castration and can last for up to 48 hours.

Once the strip of skin has been removed, a smooth scar forms, leaving fewer folds in which flies can lay their larvae. From the farmer’s point of view, it is a cheap and effective solution.

From an animal-welfare perspective, however, it is a cruel practice. Learning about it can make you question wool in the same way many people have rejected natural fur.

Wool sourced without cruel practices

As a result of numerous campaigns raising awareness of mulesing, many merino sheep farmers around the world have chosen to abandon this practice. Other methods can protect sheep just as effectively, but they require farms to adopt a more responsible and sustainable way of operating.

As consumer awareness grows, more people choose cruelty-free wool. This encourages the farming industry to introduce more sustainable breeding methods. It is a great example of how consumer choices can influence and change the market.

RWS-certified mulesing-free wool hats

Several certifications around the world confirm that wool comes from responsible and more humane farming systems. One of them is RWS — Responsible Wool Standard . KOPYTO is the first Polish wool accessories brand whose products have received this certification. You can read more about it here .

When buying wool, remember to check whether the manufacturer declares that it is mulesing-free. Responsible wool means happier sheep and a healthier planet.

You can read more about our certifications here: https://kopyto.com/pages/certifications