Farm Animals

Welfare of Farmed Rabbits for Angora Wool

Angora rabbits farmed for their wool undergo plucking or shearing that can cause significant pain and stress depending on method and conditions.

Key Facts

Live plucking of angora rabbits involves pulling wool from the skin
Shearing is significantly more humane than live plucking
Angora rabbits are often kept in isolated wire cages causing social deprivation
A 2013 investigation exposed severe live plucking practices causing industry-wide supplier suspensions
Certification schemes for humanely sourced angora wool are available but inconsistently applied

Welfare Considerations

Angora wool production welfare depends almost entirely on whether live plucking or shearing is used. Live plucking causes clear pain and stress. Consumer demand for certified shear-only angora creates market pressure for the more humane alternative.

What You Can Do

Avoid angora products unless certified as shear-only rather than plucked
Advocate for live plucking bans in all angora-producing countries
Support certification schemes verifying humane angora production
Choose synthetic or alternative fiber alternatives to angora when in doubt