Mulesing

RNB RETAIL AND BRANDS denounces all forms of unethical and cruel treatment of animals. Accordingly, we oppose traditional and routine utilization of mulesing on merino sheep in Australia unless pain relief is provided.

RNB RETAIL AND BRANDS demands that the Australian wool industry continues to phase out mulesing and use other methods to protect merino sheep from flystrikes.

What is mulesing?

Mulesing entails the removal of strips of wool-bearing wrinkle skin from the hindquarters of merino lamb as part of efforts to prevent fly larvae from feeding on the tissue and thus injuring the animal.

Does RNB RETAIL AND BRANDS use wool from merino sheep in its garments?

For proprietary production of pure merino wool garments, RNB RETAIL AND BRANDS uses merino wool from other countries where mulesing is not practiced, or Australian wool that is labeled mulesing-free, mulesing with pain relief or wool from farms that no longer resort to mulesing.

Do you not have an animal welfare policy?

Yes, it is formulated in our Group-wide animal-welfare policy.

How has RNB RETAIL AND BRANDS acted?

RNB RETAIL AND BRANDS has met representatives of animal protection organizations and the Australian wool industry and received information from these parties, in addition to consulting with independent animal protection experts. Internally, personnel who work with design and purchasing in Sweden have been informed about mulesing, as have employees of our purchasing offices in Turkey and China. In addition to our purchasing offices, information about mulesing has also been provided to suppliers of proprietary brands. RNB RETAIL AND BRANDS has also clarified its position on this matter to suppliers of external brands.

The long-term solution of breeding sheep that for natural reasons do not suffer from mulesing is the best alternative, but it will take a long time to implement. Pending the full impact of special breeding, RNB RETAIL AND BRANDS selects wool from other countries where mulesing is not practiced or Australian wool that is labeled mulesing-free, mulesing with pain relief or wool from farms that have discontinued mulesing. In accordance with our animal care policy, alternatives will be sought and prioritized wherever possible. However, long production chains make it difficult to issue guarantees regarding all wool sources.