Alpacas and llamas are increasingly farmed for fiber worldwide, with welfare challenges from shearing practices, dental management, and the stress of transportation and handling.
Farmed camelid welfare is significantly impacted by shearing and handling practices. Improper restraint during shearing causes physical injury and extreme stress - alpacas not habituated to handling can panic dangerously. Cuts from shearing cause pain and infection risk. Social isolation is highly distressing for these herd animals - keeping a single alpaca is considered poor welfare in most guidelines. The long-term bond between herd members means separation for sale causes sustained distress. Well-managed farms with experienced handlers, appropriate social groups, and habituation training provide dramatically better welfare.