Ethical exploitation?

[Gliondrach]

A woman in Yorkshire rescues Wensleydale sheep from slaughter. Any that have misshapen coats or that have dark marks on their coats are considered unsuitable and are usually sent for slaughter. She has a field-full and has them sheared so the wool can be made into cardigans and pullovers. I think she needs them to pay their way. If she didn't do this they would be killed. Is what she is doing ethical? I think it is - especially if the alternative is the slaughterhouse.

Discuss.

[Bowwowmeow]

In a perfect world she wouldn't have to, but it goes without saying that we are not living in a perfect world. As long as she isn't profitting from the wool, I wouldn't criticise her. I am sure the sheep would rather be shorn than killed, if we were able to ask them. The trouble is that the poor sheep have been bred to produce unnaturally heavy coats, and it probably would be cruel to leave them unshorn during their lifetimes, and if the woman needs money to help support the sheep, its better to sell the wool than waste it. I'd rather see an alternative use developed for the wool though, rather than it being used for human clothing, like being used to stuff dog beds, or something. I suppose human clothing is the most viable option for bringing in money, though.

[Oracl]

Shearing sheep and selling their wool is not a vegan option and it reinforces the perception of most people that sheep's wool is ours to use as we wish. :no:

However, it is probably a good option as far as the sheep are concerned and maybe I need to focus on this. :rubchin:

I agree with BWM that it would be better to use the wool to make something for other animals. :agree:

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