Western Daily Press (Saturday)
IT’S SHEER MADNESS
VEGANS WANT WOOL TO CHANGE NAME:
A“RIDICULOUS” call to a community in Dorset to change the name of its village from Wool to Vegan Wool from an animal rights group has been roundly mocked.
PETA has written to Wool Parish Council with the request.
A new name for the village, the charity says, would inspire people to go for vegan alternatives and “show a little compassion” for sheep.
In a bid to persuade villagers, the group also said it would give a “cruelty-free” woollen to everyone of them if they agree to the suggestion.
The charity claims to have uncovered evidence of cruelty shown to sheep in the British wool industry which includes animals being punched in the face, trampled on and beaten with electric clippers.
But the name-change idea has been mocked by residents of the Anglo-Saxon village, which has never had any attachment to the wool industry.
Ward Councillor Cherry Brooks said: “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.”
The letter has been posted on social media by the parish council’s clerk, who said it would be discussed at the next meeting.
In response, people laughed off the request, stating that the ‘publicity stunt’ had backfired.
Jayne Merchant said: “The name Wool should remain as it is, the idea of renaming the village is utterly ridiculous. The most idiotic idea I have come across in a long time.”
Jo Holloway said: “I think this is a publicity stunt that is going to seriously backfire on PETA.”
Willie Bath said: “This is an insult to our intelligence.”
The letter to the parish council from PETA reads: “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 warm-hearted to sheep by choosing vegan wool and other animal-free materials.”
In a statement to media, charity director Elisa Allen said: “Changing Wool’s name to Vegan Wool would not only inspire local people to seek out cruelty-free clothing but also show a little compassion for the gentle sheep who are torn apart for wool.
“PETA is encouraging parish councillors to make this change and set a precedent of respect for animals for the rest of England to follow.”
Wool has a population of 5,310. The village hit the news recently after its Grade II-listed bridge, over the River Frome, was added to Historic England ‘s Heritage at Risk Register.
The bridge partially collapsed following heavy rain last year.