Peru has the largest alpaca population in the world, with approximately 4 million animals producing premium fibre for global fashion markets. Shearing practices and welfare standards vary enormously between traditional herders and large commercial operations.
Alpacas restrained for shearing experience acute stress from being thrown on their sides and held by their legs. Investigations documented cutting injuries and mistreatment of alpacas at some commercial facilities. Traditional community shearing practices in Andean villages typically involve more careful handling by people familiar with individual animals. The welfare gap between best and worst practice in Peruvian alpaca shearing is significant and consumer pressure has begun to drive improvement.