HVTP’s Position on Fiber Animal Welfare

The Hudson Valley Textile Project stands with New York's sheep, alpaca, and other fiber animal farmers, who know that good animal care is both the right thing to do and the foundation of a sound farm business.

Across the state, these farmers protect their animals from predators, manage pasture and nutrition, vaccinate, help at lambing/birthing, and shear annually or on a breed-appropriate schedule.

Shearing is essential care, as recognized by the American Society of Animal Science. Most sheep breeds, alpacas, and other fiber animals do not shed naturally. Unshorn fleece can lead to animal overheating, flystrike, parasites, skin disease, and immobility. Shearing keeps the animal healthy and at the same time yields a renewable, biodegradable fiber that can replace petroleum-based synthetics.

HVTP affirms its support for New York's fiber farmers and their care of their animals, welcomes respectful dialogue with anyone who voices a concern for animal welfare, and invites designers, brands, and the public to visit our member farms to see that care firsthand.

Photo credit: Gale Zucker