I've blogged about shearing sheep here before.  In fact, there are several entries in case you want to search around. 

This post was born of frustration.  The frustration that comes from totally ignorant comments like, "I am a vegan and therefore I will only use man-made fibers, so as not to harm any poor little helpless animals."

May I be blunt?  (I guess I can, it's my blog!)  What do you think the good Lord put animals on this earth for?  For our viewing pleasure so that they may live out their days with rotted wool falling off their backs?  UGH! 

Let me give you a little lesson in sheep shearing.  Shearing prepares the sheep for giving birth and allows the lambs to find the teats much easier.   Wool is a renewable resource for the sheep, just like our hair.  Funny thing is, you cut it and it grows back.  A spring shearing is much like a shave and a haircut for us. 

The sheep is sat upon his/her rump in a position that is very calming and relaxing to it.  It's just sort of mezmerized  and allows the shearer to do his work.  From there the shearing begins.  A clipper is used to cut the wool off.  Once in a while a sheep is nicked, but sheep have so much lanolin in their wool, the nick QUICKLY heals.  Occasionally there are careless shearers out there who don't give a hoot about the sheep.  I've had some ears cut and teats cut off.  That shearer will not be back on my property.

Wool is a wonderful fiber.  There are so many different uses for it.  I just get tired of having to defend it to the ignorant, but then as they say, ignorance is bliss.

Besides, what do you think those man-made fibers are made of?