Farm Animals

Alpaca Fibre Industry Welfare Standards

The global alpaca fibre industry has faced welfare scrutiny, and independent certification schemes are developing standards for humane handling and shearing.

Key Facts

Alpacas are shorn once annually, typically in spring, in procedures lasting 5-15 minutes
Restraint for shearing is highly stressful for alpacas, a prey species with strong fear responses
Poor shearing technique causes cuts, abrasions, and unnecessary prolonged restraint
Peru produces 80% of global alpaca fibre from both small community farms and large estates
Welfare varies dramatically between countries and production systems

Welfare Considerations

Alpaca shearing, while necessary for thermal regulation and fibre production, is inherently stressful for the animal. Welfare-focused shearing uses adequate but minimal restraint, skilled shearers, and rapid completion to minimise fear and discomfort duration.

What You Can Do

Choose alpaca products certified under welfare auditing schemes
Research brand welfare policies before purchasing alpaca products
Support development of robust alpaca welfare certification standards
Learn about alpaca behaviour and handling to understand welfare requirements