Angora

Angora fibers have been used in our beanies for several sea- sons. The fiber is very fine and the quality is fluffy and soft - a good basis for comfortable, fuzzy and warm beanies. There have been several cases in media reporting on poor living conditions for angora rabbits. FWSS works exclusively with “cruelty-free” angora and have our own Ethical Conduct For Animal Welfare with strict criterias that all our suppliers must comply with. “The Five Freedoms of Animal Welfare” developed by the Farm Animal Welfare Council is one important criteria:

1. Freedom from Hunger and Thirst - by ready access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vigour.
2. Freedom from Discomfort - by providing an appropriate environment including shelter and a comfortable resting area.
3. Freedom from Pain, Injury or Disease - by prevention or rapid diagnosis and treatment.
4. Freedom to Express Normal Behaviour - by providing sufficient space, proper facilities and company of the animal’s own kind.
5. Freedom from Fear and Distress - by ensuring conditions and treatment which avoid mental suffering.

The angora rabbits are always shaved painlessly using either an electric shaver or scissors – never “stripped”. The farmers ensure at least ten rabbits living together and only use rearing boxes for safety reasons. There are also

requirements to the size of the rearing boxes. A mother and her baby rabbits always live together for at least six weeks for normal feeding.