A PETA Asia-Pacific exposé has alleged that cruelty and violence have been metered out to sheep at farms and shearing sheds supplying ZQ-certified merino wool, claimed to be ‘the world’s most exclusive ethical wool’.
PETA’s release notes that its undercover video revealed workers ‘kicking terrified sheep, stomping and standing on their necks, and violently throwing the animals down chutes’. Video from New Zealand shows workers ‘whipping, tackling, and hitting sheep with various objects, including the metal tip of a ski pole. One shearer repeatedly slammed a sheep’s head against a hard wooden board while hurling expletive-laden threats at the animal. Several sheep were left with gaping wounds that were then crudely stitched up—without any painkillers. One worker was documented laughing at a sheep as blood ran down the animal’s face from an eye injury.’
Another investigator at another farm saw a sheep’s throat cut while she was conscious and struggling, with her body dumped in a rubbish pit. Decomposing sheep remains were found at other ZQ-certified properties, said PETA.
It was part of an investigation that took place from 2023 to the end of 2024.
The New Zealand Merino Company, which sets the standards on and sells ZQ wool, responded, ‘We can confirm that the one property named by PETA to the New York Post is not and has never been a supplier to the ZQ Programme.’
The company publishes a manual for growers where the largest chapter is devoted to animal welfare and adherence to the five freedoms under the UK’s Animal Welfare Act 2006. It welcomes public consultation and offers a complaint channel for these circumstances. It also says farms are third-party-audited by Control Union, some at random times.
It says, ‘The images shared by PETA are confronting and upsetting. NZM does not tolerate breaches of animal welfare guidelines.
‘We are committed to investigating all allegations and urge PETA to provide us more detail about filming locations and the timing of the recordings.
‘Should any ZQ accredited farms be identified during the investigation, alongside the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries and our third-party audit body Control Union we will take all necessary and appropriate action, up to and including expulsion from the programme.’
PETA says the evidence has been turned over to New Zealand officials, though no mention was made on whether it had contacted the New Zealand Merino Company.
Note: Updated January 1, 2025 at 0200 UTC with comment from the New Zealand Merino Company.
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