Mulesing is a painful procedure that is performed on merino sheep, for the most part in Australia. It is aimed at reducing the risk of infestation by the blowfly, known as “flystrike.” In sheep not treated for flystrike, the blowfly may lay its larvae in the skin folds in their hind quarters, which offer an ideal breeding ground. This can lead to suffering and even death.

HUGO BOSS dissociates itself from mulesing because it contravenes our corporate values. More animal-friendly alternatives to this procedure are already available but these are still under development and need to be pursued more vigorously.

The company has decided to phase out the use of wool from farms that perform mulesing – including clip mulesing – by redirecting its orders for merino wool toward suppliers who can demonstrate that this practice has not been applied. HUGO BOSS is therefore currently working closely with its own suppliers and providing active support to facilitate this transition.

HUGO BOSS has been working toward an end of mulesing for several years. In the ongoing discussions with the Australian Government and AWI (Australian Wool Innovation), the company has repeatedly highlighted its demands for more animal-friendly treatment of sheep. In 2005 AWI signed an agreement to abolish mulesing by 2010. Since then, HUGO BOSS has been actively monitoring the progress of the measures instituted by AWI and the advances made in the quest for alternatives.

We have made the decision to concentrate our purchasing on mulesing-free wool because we want to set a clear example in our industry and bring new momentum to these important efforts. Should mulesing not have ended completely by 2010, HUGO BOSS will refuse to purchase wool material from farms that perform mulesing.