Animal rights organization PETA has launched a campaign urging the organisers of the historic Tetbury Woolsack Races to replace the traditional wool-filled sacks with vegan-friendly alternatives. The request comes ahead of the annual event scheduled for Monday, May 26, as part of PETA’s wider push to modernize the centuries-old race to align with animal welfare values.
In a formal letter, PETA offered to financially support the transition to plant-based sacks, emphasizing that every wool-filled sack used in the race symbolizes harm to sheep. Yvonne Taylor, vice president of corporate projects at PETA, stated, “Each sack hauled up Gumstool Hill represents the suffering of sheep who endure cruel treatment before being shorn. We want to help the Tetbury Woolsack Races evolve into a cruelty-free event that respects animal welfare.”
The traditional race involves competitors carrying heavy wool sacks up the steepest street in the town, a custom dating back many years. PETA has also proposed renaming the event to the “Tetbury Plant-Woolsack Races” to mark a compassionate and sustainable new chapter.
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However, the British Wool spokesperson responded by defending the current practices, highlighting that wool is sourced from sustainable farming where shearing is essential for the animals’ health. “Shearing is a humane, routine procedure performed by trained professionals who prioritize animal welfare,” the spokesperson explained. “Removing wool prevents discomfort, mobility issues, and health risks for the sheep.”
Despite these assurances, PETA points to investigations revealing instances of animal abuse in wool production worldwide, including violent treatment of sheep and improper wound care due to shearers working under high-pressure pay structures. The organisation also stresses the environmental impact of wool production, noting that sheep contribute significantly to methane emissions, a major factor in climate change, and that the industry contributes to soil degradation through faecal waste and erosion.
The call to action from PETA highlights growing concerns over tradition versus animal welfare and environmental sustainability, prompting a debate about the future of the beloved Tetbury Woolsack Races.