An advert by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) which claimed wool production was as cruel as fur production has been banned by the UK’s Advertising Standards Authority (ASA). The move was celebrated by the National Sheep Association (NSA), which says the misleading advertising propagated the lie that wool is cruelly obtained from sheep.

NSA chief executive Phil Stocker commented on the situation: “NSA is pleased to hear this decision by ASA that exposes PETA’s advertising for what it is, grossly inaccurate jargon which is misleading the public as well as damaging farmers’ reputations and livelihoods.

“The simple, undeniable fact is that removing wool from sheep is necessary for their health and welfare. It does not harm them and it does not exploit them. Wool is just a by-product of their existence.”

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Following reports of cruelty during shearing last year, the sheep sector mobilised to combat claims suggesting that sheep’s wool is obtained by killing and skinning the animals, rather than carefully and quickly shorn from them during the summer months.

Despite the setback, PETA said it’s planning to run a modified campaign on wool this winter.