2008 News
Taskforce clarifies misinformation on clips
18 April 2008
The Australian Wool and Sheep Industry Taskforce (Taskforce) has today welcomed Hugo Boss’ support for the phase out of mulesing by the end of 2010. This is entirely consistent with the industry position taken in 2004 to phase out mulesing by 2010 which we will confidently do.
However, the Taskforce expressed concern that extremist animal rights group PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) is now peddling misinformation to retailers about the Australian wool industry’s alternative flystrike prevention methods, in particular about the animal welfare science behind the clips technology.
“PETA’s claims that the clips are ‘cruel’ are designed to deliberately mislead retailers in order to drive the Australian wool industry out of business. PETA’s so-called ‘expert’ on the clips, Nedim Buyukmihci, is a self confessed vegan of 21 years and admits he is opposed to the use of anything related to animals and all forms of livestock farming. It is of no surprise that he would not support the clips,” said Don Hamblin, Chairman of the Australian Wool and Sheep Industry Taskforce Operations Group.
“The clips were developed in line with the industry’s commitment to deliver effective and ethical alternative flystrike prevention methods to mulesing. The clips technology meets those criteria. Let us be very clear on this - the use of clips does not constitute mulesing – the clips are proven scientifically and constitute a very effective alternative to prevent flystrike.”
A recent study by Professor Paul Hemsworth, director of the Animal Welfare Science Centre at the University of Melbourne, found that the clips technology had only a mild, brief impact on the lambs when applied and that the welfare risks were minor.
“Any retailer decisions to not accept clips as a suitable alternative could be in contravention of good corporate social responsibility, as it would increase the risk of attack by blowflies and death for millions of sheep,” said Mr Hamblin.
“The decision to phase out purchasing wool from farms that no longer practice mulesing after 2010 is not a ‘victory’ for PETA. It is part of a long term Agreement between Australian woolgrowers and the international retail industry.”
Hugo Boss is yet another retailer that has been targeted with misinformation about the clips by PETA.
The Taskforce is working with Hugo Boss and the retail industry to dispel any misunderstanding they may have about the clips and the other evolving forms of technology designed to facilitate the phase out of mulesing. These include the use of pain relief products, the breeding of sheep which are resistant to flystrike and the development of new management techniques.
“It is disappointing that the emotionally driven propaganda from PETA is attempting to drown out scientific-based evidence. We will continue to work closely with retailers to ensure that they are fully informed on the alternative flystrike prevention technologies being developed by industry, and we are confident retailers, particularly those at the high end of the market, will recognise the value of the clips technology beyond 2010 in meeting their corporate social responsibility commitments to their customers,” concluded Mr Hamblin.