2004 News

Sixty Minutes Report - PETA Exposed

22 November 2004

Tonight on 60 Minutes PETA President, Ingrid Newkirk illustrated once again her organisation did not have one rational alternative to protecting sheep from flystrike - and the terrible deaths caused by blowfly maggots.

The report highlighted pressure from US based animal rights extremists to halt the practice of mulesing sheep.

Peter Corish, President of the National Farmer's Federation said the People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) was exposed as wanting to stop farming altogether by seeking publicity with little regard for the truth.

"Animal welfare is an absolute priority for farmers; for PETA spokesperson, Ingrid Newkirk to claim to know more than farmers about how sheep should be treated is quite simply ridiculous."

"Few Australians would have been convinced by the outrageous arguments presented by Ms Newkirk."

Mr Corish said the 60 Minutes report clearly showed that PETA was more about outrage than truth. The organisation's approach is something that should not and cannot be tolerated within a balanced approach to animal welfare.

Mr Corish said the facts of the matter are:

  • Australian wool producers lead the world in setting standards for animal welfare;
  • A ban on mulesing would condemn up to three million sheep to die a cruel and painful death from flystrike;
  • The Australian Chief Veterinary Officer, the Australian Veterinary Association and the Royal Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA, Australia), accept the practice as necessary;
  • The industry continues to invest millions of dollars annually in research and development into alternatives to mulesing.
  • Farmers have committed to finding non surgical alternatives to mulesing by 2010
  • The current accreditation scheme for mulesing contractors is being expanded nationally

"Anyone wanting to know the truth about the industry should come and talk to farmers and see for themselves how animals are cared for as part of an overall management process."

"It is not in the interests of farmers to mistreat animals in any way. Animal welfare extremists know that. For many of these groups, campaigning is first about fund raising and media attention. No fund raising - no campaign."

Peter Corish said: "Australian wool farmers are proud of their approach to animal welfare and have committed ongoing funds to find even better ways of caring for their animals."

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