2005 News
Latest Australian wool boycott claims are wrong again
The Australian Wool and Sheep Industry has urged people to treat animal rights activist claims with caution after yet another retailer has spoken out to reject suggestions it has joined a campaign against Australian wool.
United States retailer Limited Brands today issued an unequivocal statement that is not involved in a boycott of Australian wool as claimed by animal rights group People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).
Anthony Hebron, spokesperson for Limited Brands advised the Taskforce today:
"Limited Brands is not boycotting Australian wool. Limited Brands' buying decisions are its own and are not in any way reflective of the agendas of interest groups. The company is not participating in nor does it support boycotts.
“Limited Brands is discussing this matter with the Australian wool industry to learn more about mulesing and live exports."
Taskforce Chairman and National Farmers’ Federation President, Mr Peter Corish said this latest development further highlighted the need for journalists to be careful with statements issued by PETA on behalf of other organisations.
Retailers also need to be careful in providing written statements in confidence to PETA, who have shown they will use this information to its own advantage in the public arena.
“PETA has repeatedly claimed that particular retailers have joined its so-called boycott and the facts have repeatedly told a different story,” Mr Corish said.
“Retailers do not want to get involved in PETA’s campaign. Just last week, PETA claimed that US retailer Timberland was boycotting Australian wool and in the days following we have seen Timberland come out with a statement that it is not supporting a boycott.
“As well as Timberland and Limited Brands, PETA has also claimed that US retailer J.Crew and British retailer New Look have joined its boycott – but all four companies have rejected these claims.”
The Australian Wool and Sheep Industry Taskforce is in contact with Limited Brands to ensure the company is well-briefed on the high standards of animal welfare observed by Australian wool producers.
Mr Corish said the Taskforce wanted to ensure that retailers and the public were not fooled by PETA’s misleading claims.
“We are committed to phase out mulesing by 2010. However, until there is a viable alternative, farmers need to mules their sheep to protect them from the deadly Australian sheep blowfly.
“We are determined not to let PETA’s unwarranted smear campaign damage the outstanding reputation of our wool and livestock producers – a reputation which is well-deserved for the quality of their product and for their commitment to highest standards of animal welfare,” Mr Corish said.
Further information:
Peter Wilkinson
Wilkinson Media
02-8969-6255 / 0414 383 433
Mairi Barton
NFF Public Relations
02-6273-3855 / 0408 448 250
Nigel Gosse
Taskforce Secretariat
0417 152 225