Is Wool Cruel?
We’ve all seen this ad.
It’s the same one that stirred up so much controversy when anyone who knows anything about agriculture pointed out that that’s not a sheep at all, and that’s definitely not what happens to the animals. Even before the photo went viral, many people abstained from wool for ethical reasons. Activists claim that it’s just as cruel as meat and that the animals shouldn’t be used as a commodity, no matter what conditions they’re raised under.
However, the nearly 6.5 million farmers in America understand livestock are just that… a commodity that, although definitely worthy of respect and humane treatment, are an integral resource that feeds, clothes, and supplies society’s everyday life, whether the general public realizes it or not.
What people need to realize is that not shearing sheep would be much more inhumane. Here’s a few reasons why:
It’s the same one that stirred up so much controversy when anyone who knows anything about agriculture pointed out that that’s not a sheep at all, and that’s definitely not what happens to the animals. Even before the photo went viral, many people abstained from wool for ethical reasons. Activists claim that it’s just as cruel as meat and that the animals shouldn’t be used as a commodity, no matter what conditions they’re raised under.
However, the nearly 6.5 million farmers in America understand livestock are just that… a commodity that, although definitely worthy of respect and humane treatment, are an integral resource that feeds, clothes, and supplies society’s everyday life, whether the general public realizes it or not.
What people need to realize is that not shearing sheep would be much more inhumane. Here’s a few reasons why:
- Wool is hot. Too much of it impairs their temperature regulation mechanisms, and they can easily become overheated if not shorn annually.
- Wool catches dirt and manure attracting insects.
- Wool builds up around their joints and makes them heavier, impairing their movement. This makes them an easier target for predators.
- If the fleece gets too low to the ground, it can pick up irritating grasses, weeds, and stickers, which can work their way down to the skin. If left untreated, contaminants can cause infection.
- It improves overall hygiene, making the sheep healthier and lowering their risk of disease.
- Sheep are sheared soon after they’ve given birth, in the late spring or early summer. The lambs are born with no wool, and, in many regions, would be likely to freeze if their mother brings them out from shelter. Shearing the ewe puts her in the same situation as the young, and keeps her in the warmth where the baby is safe.
- It makes it easier for lambs to nurse.
- Wool can build up around their face causing blindness.
But how do we know that there aren’t bad farmers that really do handle their flock rougher, or frequently draw blood? How can you insure that that fleece didn’t come from pain and suffering? Of course, it’s almost impossible to keep tabs on every single producer, but, as I discussed in my post, Why Veganism is Not More Humane, cruelty has a way of weeding itself out. What do I mean?
Think about what happens when you get stressed. You may have coping mechanisms, like going for a jog, taking a personal day, or cooking up some comfort food, but livestock don’t really have those luxuries. Think about the physical symptoms you get if facing sustained pressure, whether it’s at work, finals week, or something as severe as losing a loved one… you may get sick, have altered eating habits, become irritable, or lose hair. |
Photo from www.countrysidenetwork.com
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Animals are no different. What this translates to in sheep, specifically, is unhealthy wool. If they contract disease or don’t eat, they don’t get all the nutrients they need to produce a healthy, thick fleece. If they become irritable or fear their handlers, they fight back, making it very difficult (and quite possibly dangerous) for farmers to do their job. If they lose hair, that’s literally profit hitting the dirt.
There is short-term stress involved in shearing, especially for younger lambs who aren’t used to the process yet. Knicks that may draw blood are not uncommon, but they’re no different than when you cut yourself shaving. After all, shearing sheep is nothing more than when men get their hair buzzed. The picture of entire chunks of the hide missing is completely inaccurate. Most sheep are sheared by professionals that have been trained, and are very fast and effective. There are actually people who make a career out of shearing sheep, and can do over 100 head per day. These workers know the animals, and know how to minimize harm. Some steps sheep raisers and shear-men take include:
Here is a video of a sheep being shorn the correct way:
There is short-term stress involved in shearing, especially for younger lambs who aren’t used to the process yet. Knicks that may draw blood are not uncommon, but they’re no different than when you cut yourself shaving. After all, shearing sheep is nothing more than when men get their hair buzzed. The picture of entire chunks of the hide missing is completely inaccurate. Most sheep are sheared by professionals that have been trained, and are very fast and effective. There are actually people who make a career out of shearing sheep, and can do over 100 head per day. These workers know the animals, and know how to minimize harm. Some steps sheep raisers and shear-men take include:
- Using sharp blades to avoid hacking
- Not feeding them the night before so that they are more comfortable while getting shorn
- Placing them in enclosed paddocks right after they’re shorn
- Applying louse and flystrike prevention right after they’re shorn
- Covering them with coats if they will be outside in cold or wet climates
Here is a video of a sheep being shorn the correct way: