Alpaca Welfare in Fibre Production

Alpaca farming for luxury fibre is growing globally, with specific welfare concerns around shearing practices, transport to slaughter, and conditions in intensive South American production systems.

Key Facts

Peru produces approximately 80% of the world's alpaca fibre from an estimated 4 million animals
Alpacas must be shorn annually -- their fleece grows continuously and unmanaged wool causes heat stress
Shearing conducted without proper restraint causes injury and extreme stress to animals
Undercover investigations in Peru documented alpacas being restrained by the legs and neck causing visible distress
Luxury fashion brands including Patagonia and others have worked with suppliers to improve shearing welfare

Welfare Considerations

Alpaca welfare in fibre production is shaped by the economics of traditional high-altitude Andean farming where welfare practices have not historically been prioritised. Shearing is necessary for the animals welfare -- unmanaged fleece in warm conditions causes heat stress -- but the method matters enormously. Rough handling during restraint, particularly for animals not habituated to human contact, causes acute fear and potential injury. Better shearing practice involves training animals to restraint, using purpose-built shearing tables, and completing procedures quickly and efficiently. Brand accountability and farmer training programmes are the most direct interventions in a dispersed, traditional supply chain.

What You Can Do

Choose alpaca fibre products from brands that publish welfare auditing results
Support brands working actively with Peruvian supplier communities on shearing welfare
Advocate for welfare standards in alpaca fibre certification schemes
Consider synthetic alternatives when certified welfare-positive alpaca products are unavailable