An animal rights group has been ridiculed for suggesting the Dorset village of Wool change its current name as it ‘promotes cruelty to sheep’.

PETA, an international organisation with a branch in the UK, campaigns for the ethical treatment of animals and wants the 1,000 year village to be called ‘Vegan wool’.

It is offering all 2,000 households in the village a ‘cruelty free’ woollen blanket, should they agree to the proposal.

An animal rights group is demanding the Dorset village of Wool changes its name, as it ‘promotes cruelty in the sheep industry’ (Picture: BNPS)

Elisa Allen believes the change in name would promote kindness of sheep and has written to Wool Parish Council with her request.


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PETA claims it has uncovered cruelty to sheep in the British wool industry that includes animals being trampled on, punched in the face and beaten with electric clippers.



Members of Wool Parish Council are obliged to list the agenda at their next meeting, given that PETA has made the suggestion in writing, however it is anticipated that the item will receive widespread ridicule.

Local councillor Cherry Brooks told the Mail: ‘It is a ridiculous request and it’s caused quite a stir in the village.

‘A few people are quite offended but most people seem to find it amusing.

PETA want the 1,000 year old village to be called Vegan Wool, much to the derision of the local residents (Picture: BNPS)

‘The proposal will now need to be discussed at the next council meeting, which will be interesting.’

Mrs Brooks added that PETA had got its facts wrong on Wool, given that the village name is derived from the ancient word ‘welle’, a water spring, which has very little to do with the wool industry.

Some villagers took to social media to mock the proposals in the Parish’s Facebook group.

Jo Holloway wrote: ‘It’s not April 1st yet surely!!!!’, whilst Jayne Merchant called it the ‘most idiotic idea I have come across in a long time’.

In her letter Ms Allen said: ‘I’m writing on behalf of PETA with a suggestion that would put Wool in the spotlight and promote kindness to sheep: renaming the village ‘Vegan Wool’.

Some villagers took to social media to defend the name of the village (Picture: Facebook)

‘Why make this animal-friendly update? Unlike wool that is stolen from sheep, vegan wool is good for animals and the environment.

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‘Sheep’s wool, on the other hand, has been shown to be a product of extreme cruelty.

‘A recently released PETA Asia eyewitness investigation of the British wool industry revealed that shearers punched sheep in the face, stamped and stood on their heads and necks, and beat and jabbed them in the face with electric clippers.

‘Fast, rough shearing left sheep with large, bloody wounds that shearers crudely stitched up using a needle and thread – and no pain relief.

Wool has its origins in the 11th century, with a present day population of 5,310 (Picture: BNPS)

She added: ‘With a simple name change, your village can take a stand against this cruelty and remind everyone that it’s easy to stay warm and be warmhearted to sheep by choosing vegan wool and other animal-free materials.’

Wool has its origins in the 11th century, with a present day population of 5,310.

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