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Stop the Brutal Beating and Mutilation of Sheep in New Zealand Wool Farms

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Sheep are being beaten bloody stomped on and cut open without pain relief while the wool industry turns a blind eye. Call for justice now!

Stop the Brutal Beating and Mutilation of Sheep in New Zealand Wool Farms

Investigations have exposed brutal abuse on New Zealand wool farms. Hidden camera footage shows workers standing on sheep’s necks, punching them, dragging them across floors, and stitching up wounds without pain relief1. These animals, known for their gentle nature, are suffering at the hands of an industry that claims to uphold ethical standards.

This is not an isolated incident. Video evidence from multiple farms, including those certified as “sustainable” and “humane,” has shown sheep being whipped, smothered, and violently handled during shearing2. Some workers were even seen laughing as the animals struggled in pain3. These revelations directly contradict the wool industry’s claims of responsible animal welfare.

The Industry Knew, But Nothing Changed

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has launched an investigation, but its response has been slow. Officials have reviewed hundreds of video files, yet meaningful action is still pending4. Two farms have been suspended from the ZQ certification program, but this barely scratches the surface of the problem3. Evidence suggests that this cruelty is not a rare exception—it is happening across the industry2.

Wool brands that market their products as “ethical” are deeply tied to these farms. Companies like Allbirds, Icebreaker, and Loro Piana have sourced wool from suppliers implicated in the abuse5. While they claim to support humane practices, their supply chains tell a different story.

The Government Must Act Now

New Zealand banned mulesing without pain relief, a cruel procedure that involves cutting skin from sheep to prevent flystrike6. This proves that change is possible. But the abuse in shearing sheds continues unchecked, and the people responsible are not being held accountable.

The MPI must take immediate action:

  • Prosecute abusers who have been caught on camera harming animals.
  • Ban convicted offenders from working with animals for life to prevent repeat cruelty.
  • Set a clear, public investigation timeline to ensure transparency.
  • Strengthen enforcement of animal welfare laws so this never happens again.

Sheep feel fear and pain just as we do. They deserve better. The wool industry will not change unless we demand it.

Sign the Petition

The New Zealand government must hold abusers accountable and enforce real protections for farm animals. Sign the petition now and demand justice for the sheep suffering behind closed doors.

More on this issue:

  1. Emma Gleason, NZ Herald (30 December 2024), "PETA Alleges Sheep Abuse at New Zealand Farms."
  2. Emma Hakansson, Collective Fashion Justice (14 Jaunary 2025), "ZQ Wool and Animal Abuse."
  3. Aimee Shaw, The Post (20 January 2025), "MPI Probe into PETA’s ZQ Merino Sheep Abuse Claims Continues."
  4. Kate Judson, The Post (21 January 2025), "Shearing Industry Under Investigation for Animal Cruelty."
  5. Animal Justice Party, Scoop (2 January 2025), "Major Brands Linked to Alleged Widespread Animal Cruelty in New Zealand Wool Industry."
  6. Tanya Flink, LiveKindly, "New Zealand Becomes First Wool-Producing Country to Ban Sheep Mulesing."

The Petition

To the Officials of the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries,

We, the undersigned, call on the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to take immediate and decisive action following the shocking revelations of systemic animal abuse on New Zealand wool farms. Recent investigations have uncovered horrifying mistreatment of sheep, including workers standing on their necks, dragging them across floors, and stitching open wounds without pain relief. This cruelty violates the fundamental principles of ethical farming and betrays public trust in the wool industry's claims of humane treatment.

We urge MPI to implement the following measures to ensure accountability and prevent further suffering:

1. Prosecution of Offenders: Any individual found guilty of animal abuse must face legal consequences, including substantial fines and potential imprisonment. Abuse cannot be dismissed as an industry norm—it is a crime and must be treated as such.

2. Lifetime Disqualification from Animal Contact: Those convicted of mistreating animals should be permanently barred from working with livestock to prevent repeat offenses.

3. A Clear and Public Investigation Timeline: The investigation into these allegations must proceed transparently, with a defined schedule for reviews, enforcement actions, and public updates. Delays in justice prolong suffering.

4. Stronger Enforcement of Animal Welfare Laws: Loopholes and lax oversight have allowed these abuses to persist. Immediate reforms must be enacted to ensure that regulations are upheld, and violators are swiftly penalized.

New Zealand has long been recognized as a leader in ethical and sustainable agriculture, but these horrifying incidents tarnish that reputation. Compassion and humanity must be at the core of any industry that relies on living beings for its success. Sheep, like all animals, deserve to be treated with dignity and respect—not as disposable commodities.

By prosecuting abusers, tightening enforcement, and ensuring complete transparency in these investigations, New Zealand can restore public faith in its agricultural industry and set a global example of ethical farming. These steps will not only protect animals from suffering but also ensure a better future for farmers, consumers, and the country's international standing.

Sincerely,

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