Patagonia defends Argentinean wool supplier, but will investigate welfare criticisms
14/08/2015
An animal rights group has published a video criticising some of the practices at one of the Ovis XXI farms in the region of Patagonia in southern Argentina, including castration and tail-docking.
Patagonia, the brand, responded by saying castration and tail-docking are widespread practices in the wool industry and added that this is for good reason. It said in a statement: “Castrating select members of the flock helps keep it manageable and eliminates overcrowding, while tail-docking reduces instances of infection in sheep and facilitates hygiene. What’s critical is that these procedures be done humanely, in a way governed by enforceable, uniform standards.”
The animal rights group also claims to have collected footage of poor practice in shearing some of the sheep and in preparing some of them for slaughter. “There is no excuse for violent shearing methods and inhumane slaughter,” Patagonia said.
It said it was working with non-profit organisation Textile Exchange to bring in a new measure called the Responsible Wool Standard to protect animal welfare, influence best practice, ensure traceability and give consumers “clear and trustworthy information that will allow them to make responsible choices”.
“We are investigating the practices shown [in the video],” Patagonia said.
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