Vegans demand village of Wool changes name to 'Vegan Wool'

The village's name stems from the Anglo Saxon word 'welle', and has nothing to do with sheep
The village's name stems from the Anglo Saxon word 'welle', and has nothing to do with sheep

Vegan campaigners have demanded that the ancient Dorset village of Wool changes its name to 'Vegan Wool', claiming it promotes sheep cruelty.

Animal rights group PETA is demanding that the village erases part of its history and renames itself 'Vegan Wool'.

The sleepy 1000-year-old village, which has Anglo Saxon origins, is situated in the Purbeck district of Dorset.

The group claims that the original name "promotes hideous animal cruelty", despite the true origin of the village's name.

The name comes from a Saxon word 'welle', and has nothing to do with the wool industry.

Cherry Brooks, a member of Dorset County Council, 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 proposal will now need to be discussed at the next council meeting, which will be interesting.”

In PETA's letter to the parish council, Elisa Allen, director of PETA, wrote: “I'm writing on behalf of PETA with a suggestion that would put Wool in the spotlight and promote kindness to sheep: renaming the village Vegan Wool.

“Why make this animal-friendly update? Unlike wool that is stolen from sheep, vegan wool is good for animals and the environment.

“Sheep's wool, on the other hand, has been shown to be a product of extreme cruelty.”