ITV facing pressure to change name of iconic soap pub over 'cruelty' concerns from animal rights group

Alex Davies
Sat, 04 Apr 2026 08:09:40 +0000

Animal rights organisation Peta has reportedly contacted ITV with a request to rebrand Emmerdale's famous Woolpack pub, proposing the fictional establishment be renamed "The Plant Woolpack Inn."

The campaign group argues that sheep face mistreatment within the wool industry, with animals allegedly subjected to abuse and regarded as "disposable machines."

The iconic pub has featured in the Yorkshire-based soap opera since its debut in 1972, making it one of British television's most recognisable inns.

Peta has said it is willing to assist financially with any rebranding efforts should ITV agree to the proposal.

Jennifer White from Peta stated: "Tradition is no excuse for cruelty. Lots of TV shows are modernising and developing to adapt with changing perspectives.

"We urge Emmerdale to change the name. Especially given how much sheep farming they talk about in that series."

The organisation maintains that the name adjustment would be minor whilst conveying a meaningful message regarding animal welfare.

Ms White confirmed: "We would of course be happy to contribute to any rebranding that would need to be done."

Yvonne Taylor, Peta's Vice President of Corporate Projects, outlined the group's concerns in more detail: "Sheep are thinking, feeling beings who love their families, but in the wool industry, they're punched, kicked, and treated like disposable machines."

Ms Taylor continued: "Peta encourages the Woolpack Inn to raise a pint to compassion and embrace a kinder future for animals and the planet as the Plant Woolpack Inn."

The organisation has also raised environmental objections, noting that sheep produce substantial quantities of methane as ruminant animals, whilst toxic sheep dip and wool cleaning chemicals contaminate waterways.

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The Woolpack has served as a pivotal location throughout Emmerdale's five-decade run, providing the backdrop for many a dramatic storyline.

The establishment is presently run by Charity Dingle (played by Emma Atkins) alongside her son Ryan Stocks (James Moore), and has witnessed numerous plot-altering moments over the years.

ITV declined to comment when contacted by GB News.

The campaign targeting Emmerdale follows a similar approach Peta made to a real Gloucestershire establishment, The Woolpack Inn in Slad, which was recently recognised among Britain's top 50 gastropubs.

Owner Dan Chadwick firmly rejected the proposal, telling the Daily Mail he had no plans to alter the name given its deep roots in local heritage spanning three centuries.

Mr Chadwick explained: "The whole area was built on wool and it is impossible to deny. A woolpack was a sack of wool, our sign depicts a mule carrying two of these sacks."

He added: "The Woolpack Inn is a famous cultural landmark and I don't think it would be very popular if the name was changed. I hate it when pubs get their names changed as it upsets the history."

'This landlord has more important things than dealing with attention seekers.'

'Wool is violently taken from sheep.'

PETA's Elisa Allen and Mo Metcalf-Fisher clash as PETA says a pub named the Woolpack Inn should be renamed, saying the wool industry is cruel to sheep. pic.twitter.com/S53JUggbHT
— GB News (@GBNEWS) March 22, 2026

At the time, GB News' Dawn Neesom welcomed Countryside Alliance's Mo Metcalf-Fisher and Peta's Elisa Allen onto the People's Channel to debate the campaigners' demands.

Approximately 50 pubs across the United Kingdom bear the Woolpack name.