Sheep fleece damages the environment and is cruel to sheep

Animal rights group PETA has sent a letter to the Harris Tweed Authority’s CEO urging the brand to transition from sheep’s fleece to hemp.

According to campaigners, the process of manufacturing the tweed wreaks havoc on the environment and causes sheep “immense suffering” .

In a somewhat tongue-in-cheek jibe, they have urged the world-renowned brand to transition to plant-wool - hemp effectively - and rebrand as "Harris Weed."

“If Harris Tweed hopes to survive another 200 years, it must move with the times by switching to kind plant wool that no sheep has to suffer for,” said Yvonne Taylor, PETA vice president of corporate projects.

“PETA urges this iconic brand to blaze a trail of compassion and future-proof its business by embracing innovative plant wools like hemp, flax, and soya, which are kind to animals and the planet.” 

In the wool industry, farmers commonly sever lambs’ tails and castrate the males without pain relief.

PETA has publicised exposés of wool operations in Scotland and England which found routine cruelty to sheep, that were beaten, punched, and kicked by workers.

A PETA Asia investigation resulted in the first conviction of a sheep shearer in Scotland for cruelty to animals. 

Campaigners also say the UK’s more than 30 million sheep produce methane, a greenhouse gas that is 80 times more powerful than carbon dioxide in warming the Earth.

The Outer Hebrides, where Harris Tweed is made, is experiencing rising sea levels, increased flooding, and coastal erosion driven by climate change.

Rearing sheep also generates massive amounts of faecal waste and contributes to soil erosion and habitat destruction. The Made-By Environmental Benchmark for Fibres ranks sheep’s wool as a “Class E” fibre – the most severe category – based on its greenhouse gas emissions, toxicity to humans, eco-toxicity, and use of energy, land, and water. In contrast, it gives hemp its highest “Class A” ranking. 

Hemp cultivation is enjoying a revival in Scotland and across Europe. Biodegradable and durable, hemp grows without pesticides or chemical fertilisers and absorbs more CO2 than it releases.

Hemp yarn can be used to fashion tweeds that are stronger than sheep’s wool, easier to care for, and softer with each wash, according to PETA.

Calum lain, HTA's CEO, responded: "In the UK, sheep typically grow between one and three kilograms of wool each year. This wool must be removed for the animal's wellbeing; if left unshorn, the fleece can cause discomfort, impaired mobility and increase the risk of disease.

"Shearing is a routine, humane procedure carried out by trained professionals, many of whom come from generations of sheep farmers. They understand and prioritise animal welfare. The process itself is quick and painless and is essential to maintaining the health and comfort of the sheep.

"The Harris Tweed sector has an excellent record around sustainability issues and responsible production. We remain committed to the safeguarding and development of Harris Tweed, an iconic, legally protected, community-based industry that is critical to the economy and culture of the Outer Hebrides."