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Wool

In the U.S., most wool comes from either domestically raised sheep or sheep raised in Australia and New Zealand (American Sheep Industry Association). Sheep raised for wool are bred to have lambs who are sent to slaughter; sheep whose wool / lamb production has started to decline are also slaughtered (SFAP, 1998). Over 500,000 sheep and lambs in the U.S. died from predation in 1994 (USDA). In turn, sheep ranchers kill predators such as coyotes. Sheep and lambs are subjected to harsh weather conditions, with over 100,000 dying from weather-related causes in 1994 (USDA). The Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals for Australia & New Zealand (1995) allows for tail docking, castration, and surgical removal of skin folds without anesthesia. Shearing sheep causes bruising and cuts (Agriculture Western Australia, 1997).

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