2005 News
Australian wool industry not fazed by PETA’s pull-out
"The reason PETA won’t sit down and talk about the issue of mulesing is that its arguments and pseudo-science on this issue do not withstand scrutiny." - Robert Pietsch, Chairman of WoolProducers
The Australian wool and sheep industry will continue to present the facts to the global textile industry about its high standards of animal welfare despite the US-based animal rights group PETA pulling out of a forthcoming meeting.
Robert Pietsch, Chairman of WoolProducers and a member of the Australian Wool and Sheep Industry Taskforce, said he was shocked and disappointed by PETA’s actions after so many months of preparation. A dialogue was being planned in the US with a group of large retailers.
“PETA baulked at the 8th of March meeting arrangements two weeks ago. I question their true motives for making this announcement now,” said Mr Pietsch.
“PETA has said it is withdrawing because of a condition of confidentiality.
“The fact is that you can’t have a free and frank exchange under the glare of media spotlights.
“As far back as 20 January, it was proposed and later agreed that the purpose of the meeting was solely to encourage a frank and open exchange of information regarding the animal welfare practices in the Australian Merino industry, in particular the practice of mulesing.
Mr Pietsch said: “The reason PETA won’t sit down and talk about the issue of mulesing is that its arguments and pseudo-science on this issue do not withstand scrutiny. The current mulesing procedure will be phased out by 2010. If it happens immediately as PETA wants, up to 3 million sheep per year will die a horrible death from flystrike.
“The Australian wool and sheep industry have standards equal to the highest in the world which is how we produce the world’s best wool. We will continue to let the world’s textile industry know the facts.”
More information:
- Mulesing - this site's main mulesing resource.