Animal welfare organisations have accused South African ostrich farms supplying the fashion industry of using cruel methods to harvest feathers from living birds. An investigation by World Animal Protection and Collective Fashion Justice reportedly documented workers restraining ostriches, covering their heads and cutting or pulling feathers without pain relief. Investigators said some growing feathers were cut above the bloodline before being removed with pliers, potentially causing distress and injury. The report also described wounded birds and challenged claims that commercial feathers are simply collected during natural moulting. South Africa supplies about 75% of the global ostrich market, exporting feathers, meat, and leather. The organisations said farms and processors investigated supplied luxury and fast-fashion companies, and called for alternatives to animal feathers. More than 150 tonnes of ostrich feathers were reportedly exported from South Africa during 2024-25, and about 150,000 birds were slaughtered.