S. African ostriches plucked alive for fashion, says group
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Animal welfare group World Animal Protection has accused South African ostrich farms of plucking feathers from living birds in a cruel manner for fashion brands. According to a new investigation, workers corner ostriches, cover their heads with bags, and remove feathers without pain relief. The report, titled 'Blood Feathers', focuses on conditions on commercial ostrich farms and feather-processing facilities in South Africa, which produces 75% of the global ostrich market.
The investigation found that some farms cut feathers above the bloodline, causing blood to be present in the shafts. This process is repeated every six months, leading to distress for the birds. Injured ostriches, unable to stand or suffering from pecking wounds, were also observed. Olivia Charlton, campaign manager at World Animal Protection, stated that the cruelty of using feathers in fashion is no different from using fur.
Emma Hakansson, founding director of Collective Fashion Justice, called it "utterly inconsistent" for fashion brands to reject fur while using ostrich feathers from the same slaughtering industry. The investigation revealed that over 150 tonnes of ostrich feathers were exported from South Africa during the 2024-2025 season, with about 150,000 ostriches slaughtered for feathers, meat, and skin.
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