Fury as high street stores continue to sell angora despite shocking ‘rabbit torture’ video

The video, filmed by animal charity PETA, shows tethered rabbits screaming in agony as their fur is ripped out by hand before it is sold as angora wool.

The rabbits are kept in cramped, filthy cages and their hair is “live plucked” every three months for up to five years.

The cages are made out of thin wire, which cuts into their feet, meaning they can never move freely.

Those that survive for five years have their throats slit.

Urban ­Outfitters, Primark, M&S, Topshop and H&M are among those still selling angora, while they investigate whether their suppliers are involved in the cruel practices.

Additionally, Zara has sparked a furious backlash from shoppers after failing to stop selling angora wool .

Peta has called on all shops to ban the wool from their stores.

Boss Yvonne Taylor said: “Knowing now of the immense suffering that goes into every angora jumper, scarf and glove, all retailers must take the next step and remove these products of rabbit torture from their shelves and websites.

“Shoppers now know all angora is the product of cruelty and should refuse to buy it.

"Rabbits who have their fur cut or sheared [not pulled] also suffer greatly.

“Their legs are tethered so that they can be stretched out over a board, a terrifying experience for any animal.

“These are standard practices in the barbaric angora industry. If a label says angora it means rabbits have suffered.”

Zara’s parent company Inditex Group claims it has a “policy of zero tolerance of cruelty to animals”.

It added: “Inditex obliges its suppliers to follow the recommendations issued by various animal protection ­associations.

"In the wake of recent complaints Inditex has reiterated this to all suppliers.

“Customers can rest assured all garments are manufactured responsibly and ethically.”

More than 90% of angora comes from the 50 million rabbits being farmed in China, where no animal welfare laws exist.