Knit trend sparks concerns over 'battery' sheep : Hippyshopper

The RSPCA is currently fighting to raise awareness of cruel treatment of sheep, whose fleeces are being used in the production of ultra-fine wool.

Australia has become the battleground for the dispute between the animal rights charity and the wool industry, since the country produces a high proportion of the prized wool. Activists claim that sheep are being kept in single pens in sheds for up to five years, fed a minimal diet and confined to protect their fleeces in order to produce the finest micron wool, which often fetches record prices from high-end fashion designers in Europe, particularly Italy.

RSPCA president Dr Hugh Wirth said the industry had refused to co-operate with the committee since August last year and had blocked attempts by independent scientists to study the animal welfare issues.

"This is the first time any industry under pressure has ever refused to be open about what is going on and allow proper examination of the facts," Dr Wirth said. "Even the egg industry that has been belted around for decades about battery hens still allows proper examinations of its facilities."

A separate row has recently erupted over the ethics of mulesing; a practice that many consider essential in sheep farming but many activists now believe is inhumane. Meanwhile, knitted trends continue to dominate on the catwalk, and are set to be bigger than ever this winter.