2005 News
Australian Wool and Sheep Industry questions PETA tactics regarding US retailer Timberland
The Australian Wool and Sheep Industry Taskforce urges people to be cautious before accepting claims that United States retailer Timberland has agreed to boycott Australian wool.
Chairman of the Taskforce and National Farmers’ Federation President, Mr Peter Corish said the company had advised that no decision has been taken in relation to boycott calls by extremist animal rights group People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).
“Our clear understanding is that Timberland has not joined the boycott,” Mr Corish said.
“Representatives of the Australian Wool and Sheep Industry Taskforce have been in contact with Timberland to provide the company with accurate information, particularly in relation to the high standards of animal welfare in the Australian wool and sheep industry.”
The Taskforce is having ongoing discussions with Timberland.
Mr Corish said PETA had in the past made similar claims about other companies that in fact had not joined the boycott.
“This situation is not dissimilar to US retailer J.Crew, which has not joined the boycott despite PETA’s constant use of their name,” Mr Corish said.
“PETA has continually shown that it is willing to use misleading claims and publicity stunts to promote its smear campaign against Australia’s important livestock industries.
“The bottom line is that Australian livestock producers care a great deal about the welfare of their animals,” Mr Corish concluded.