Investigation reveals violent feather harvesting from ostriches for fashion

World Animal Protection, together with Collective Fashion Justice, conducted field research at three ostrich farms in South Africa and uncovered evidence that feathers are forcibly removed from live birds. The investigation, presented in the report titled Blood Feathers, includes undercover video showing the violent, anaesthesia-free plucking of feathers, challenging the common perception that ostrich feathers simply drop off.

Program manager Wieke van der Kleij described the practice as the "new fur" and emphasized that no animal-friendly harvesting technique exists. She warned that many shoppers mistakenly view ostrich feathers as harmless. The organizations hope the findings will raise awareness among consumers and push the fashion industry toward more ethical sourcing.