2004 News
PETA falsely names retailers as part of campaign
Today Peter Corish, Chairman of the Australian Sheep and Wool Industry Taskforce and President of the National Farmers' Federation condemned People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) for continuing to mislead the public by wrongly suggesting overseas retailers are joining its campaign.
"PETA should be condemned for suggesting retail chains have sided with its agenda of misinformation and distortions when it is simply untrue," said Mr Corish.
"We have talked to J.Crew. It is not involved in a boycott against Australian wool."
A spokesperson at J.Crew has told the Taskforce: "J.Crew is not taking a public position on the wool issue. J.Crew does not permit other organisations to make comments about its business and we are not suggesting that our practices can be used to advance either campaign or be highlighted as an example for other retailers. Thank you for respecting this."
Mr Corish continued: "A New Look spokesperson has informed us the company has not joined PETA's attempted boycott. We also understand New Look has asked to be removed from PETA's website.
The only company that has joined PETA's boycott is Abercrombie and Fitch - this was only after being intimidated by PETA with an "Abercruelty" media campaign.
"PETA has threatened Benetton with demonstrations in the northern hemisphere later today because Benetton will not join its boycott," said Mr Corish.
"We have been in dialogue with retailers all over the world. To date all the retailers we are talking to are holding firm.
"Typically they are saying that their buying of wool is based on long term planning, not knee jerk decisions and they do not give in to threats. Many are also saying that they buy blends and so cannot tell whether their wool is from Australia or other countries like Argentina.
"Retailers generally view these issues on the basis of what is good for customers and what is good business ethics. It is not good ethics to cave into an extremist group that uses threats to achieve its outcomes."
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