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Reports of alleged abuse within "wool farms" in Scotland has been submitted to the Scottish SPCA, it has been confirmed.
“We will be launching a full investigation into these reports. This investigation will involve visiting multiple farms,” Scottish SPCA chief superintendent Mike Flynn said.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) claims that its video footage was captured by an eyewitness who documented “wool workers in Scotland striking terrified sheep in the face with electric clippers, slamming their heads into the floor, beating and kicking them and throwing them off shearing trailers.”
A Police Scotland spokesperson said; "We are aware of this video and are liaising with the SSPCA regarding its content."
Farm organisations in Scotland have said animal welfare is very important to Scottish livestock farmers.
National Farmers Union (NFU) Scotland
“NFU Scotland is currently investigating these claims and the validity of the videos as the images shown do not reflect the standards expected on Scottish farms,” Penny Middleton, NFU Scotland’s animal health and welfare policy manager said.
There are several parts of the footage which do not show Scottish farming
“We would support action being taken against the individuals shown, if these images are indeed from Scottish farms. Animal welfare is of the utmost importance to Scottish livestock farmers and the industry prides itself on achieving high standards of animal welfare. The behaviour shown in the PETA videos is by no means typical of shearing in Scotland.”
Several parts of the footage do not show Scottish farming, National Sheep Association president John Fyall said.
“We are in discussions with the SSPCA about the footage. We are grateful for anyone taking the time to bring issues to our attention but this is over four months old and events would be best reported to authorities at the time,” Fyall told the Farmers Journal.
“There are several parts of the footage which do not show Scottish farming but there are undeniably issues here on Scottish farms and the responsibility for this rests not only with the shearer but with every farmer to make sure the stock in their care are treated with respect.
"Going forward this reminds us that as we promote Scottish produce as the best in the world we have to be confident our welfare reflects this at all times.”
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