Angora rabbits farmed for their wool often experience significant welfare harms during harvesting. Video investigations have driven brand commitments and improved industry standards.
Angora rabbit welfare became a prominent consumer issue following undercover investigations that documented plucking procedures causing obvious distress. Rabbits have well-developed pain responses and vocalizations - screaming during plucking provides clear welfare evidence. The industry response following brand boycotts demonstrated the power of consumer pressure: dozens of major brands dropped angora or committed to sourcing standards. The welfare challenge is verifying supply chain claims, as China's dominant production volume makes independent auditing difficult. High-welfare angora from producers using gentle combing methods exists but requires consumer willingness to pay premiums.